Ejectees

"Pantons"
F-16C Fighting Falcon

Tuesday 14th March 2006
9:30 a.m

Captain Donald Siegmund

                                       photo USAF
An F-16C similar to this crashed on
Tuesday 14th March 2006
 

F-16 crashes into Korean West Sea

3/14/2006 - KUNSAN AIR BASE, South Korea -- An Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon from the 35th Fighter Squadron here crashed into the West Sea during a training mission at about 9:30 a.m. today.  

The aircraft's pilot ejected safely and was rescued by a South Korean air force helicopter at about 10:25 a.m.

The pilot was transported to the Kunsan Air Base medical clinic and is in good condition.

Eight Fighter Wing leaders praised the swift response of the Korean HH-60 helicopter crew that recovered the pilot from waters estimated at 41 degrees by base weather officials.

“Today’s rescue shows the great cooperation and support we receive from our ROKAF partners and reaffirms the benefit of joint training,” said Col. Brian Bishop, wing commander. “We’re very happy that the pilot has been safely recovered and is back at Kunsan in good condition.”

source: AF Times 

PRESS RELEASE

March 14, 2006

Pilot ejects over West Sea

Courtesy of 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea – A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to Kunsan Air Base crashed into the West Sea at approximately 9:30 a.m. today.

The aircraft was flying a routine training sortie and carried one pilot. The pilot safely ejected from the aircraft and was rescued by the Republic of Korea Air Force.

The condition of the pilot is unknown at this time.
A board of qualified officers will investigate the accident. Additional details will be provided as soon as they become available.

(Courtesy of Pacific Air Forces)