Aircrew ejects in Korean F-16 ‘incident’ at Eielson Air Force Base, officials say

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTUU/KTVF) – Eielson Air Force Base officials confirmed that an “incident” occurred Tuesday on base involving a Republic of Korea F-16 jet, but did not specify any further as to what had happened.

Eielson officials said an investigation is currently underway, according to the base’s public affairs office.

The situation revolved around a Republic of Korea Air Force F-16D Fighting Falcon that took off around 4 p.m. Tuesday. Eielson officials said the incident occurred when the jet “departed the prepared surface and aircrew ejected,” within the fence line of the base.

Eielson officials did not say how many crew members were involved; only that the aircrew onboard were taken to Bassett Army Community Hospital for further evaluation and that emergency crews responded to the scene.

One witness described seeing what appeared to be a damaged aircraft.

Sarah Sioka was traveling southbound along the Richardson Highway around 5:26 p.m. with her husband Eldon driving when she said she saw what appeared to be a damaged aircraft on base sitting in the runway along the flight line.

At the time, Sioka said there was no fire or smoke, but she estimated 8-10 emergency vehicles nearby.

The aircraft appeared to Sioka to be an F-16.

“The nose was down on the runway, kind of looked smushed a little bit, and then the back end was … up on its wheels,” she described. “The front wasn’t on the front wheel.”

This is a developing story. Check back for more updates.

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