F-16 Fighting Falcon Crashes in New Mexico: Everything We Know

An Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jet flies during Aero India 2023 at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru on February 14, 2023.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed Tuesday near Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico near White Sands National Park, according to a press release.

The F-16 was assigned to the 49th Wing and crashed at about 1:50 p.m. ET.

The pilot ejected and was transported by ambulance for medical care, according to the press release, which also said that “all non-emergency personnel should avoid the area to prevent possible exposure to hazardous chemicals onboard the aircraft.”

“Emergency response teams are responding to the scene using the entrance road into White Sands National Park. White Sands National Park is open but certain areas are currently closed to the public to allow for emergency response.”

Holloman Air Force Base said in the press release that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident.

The F-16 is a fourth-generation fighter, entering service in 1979. Developed by General Dynamics for the U.S. Air Force, the Fighting Falcon is currently contracted to Lockheed Martin and used by militaries in more than two dozen nations.

Belgian government officials recently announced that it accelerating the delivery of F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets to Ukraine in its ongoing war against Russia.

According to the Air Force’s website, “the F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft. It is highly maneuverable and has proven itself in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack. It provides a relatively low-cost, high-performance weapon system for the United States and allied nations.”

The all-weather F-16 is able to fly more than 500 miles, deliver its weapons with accuracy, defend itself against enemy aircraft and return to its starting point, the Air Force website states.

Update 4/30/24, 4:50 p.m. ET: This story has been updated with more information.

Start your unlimited Newsweek trial