Military Plane Crashes at US Airbase in Germany
On the afternoon of September 22, a fighter jet crashed at the US Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany's Eifel region. It is preliminarily reported that the pilot managed to eject, writes Bild.
Illustrative photo. Photo: AP Photo / Roberto Pfeil, File
The accident occurred around 2:10 PM on the territory of the American military base. According to initial information, the plane crashed near a golf course within the base's secure perimeter. Significant forces of firefighters and police were dispatched to the scene.
Residents of nearby settlements noticed a large black cloud of smoke. The mayor of Speicher stated that she saw the fighter jet rapidly lose altitude, after which smoke appeared in the sky. She called the emergency services.
German services also received a report of the incident. The professional fire department of Trier confirmed that it was initially dispatched to the Spangdahlem area but was later recalled, as the accident occurred directly on the territory of the US base.
According to preliminary data, an American F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed. The aircraft is believed to have belonged to the 480th Fighter Squadron of the 52nd Fighter Wing, stationed at Spangdahlem Air Base. The pilot managed to eject. Information regarding his condition and potential other casualties is not yet available.
The causes of the plane crash are currently unknown. An investigation is underway.
Spangdahlem Air Base is one of the important American military airbases in Europe, where, among other aircraft, F-16 fighter jets are based. American military officials are expected to provide additional information about the incident.