US fighter jet crashes into farmland in S. Korea

SEOUL: A US Forces Korea (USFK) F-16 fighter jet crashed into farmland near South Korea’s Osan Air Base on Saturday, officials said, with the pilot escaping safely.
 
According to local firefighting and police authorities, the accident occurred at about 9.30am in Pyeongtaek, 60 kilometres south of Seoul, reported Yonhap news agency.
 
The jet crashed into a field and caught fire, resulting in the aircraft being mostly destroyed.
 
But no casualties or civilian damage were reported as there were no houses nearby, fortunately, they said.
 
The US 51st Fighter Wing later announced the crash occurred at about 9.45am, with the pilot having safely ejected and been transported to a nearby medical facility.
 
It said the pilot was taking part in a routine training sortie and that the accident is under investigation. – BERNAMA-YONHAP