F-16 jet crashes near Holloman Air Force Base, US Air Force says
WHITE SANDS, N.M. (KRQE) – A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed west of Holloman Air Force Base near White Sands National Park Tuesday.
The plane was assigned to the 49th Wing and crashed around 11:50 a.m. on Thursday according to Denise Ottaviano, public affairs and media relations chief for Holloman Air Force Base. One pilot was on board and was successfully ejected. The pilot was taken by ambulance for medical care and has since been released.
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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.
All non-emergency personnel should avoid the area to prevent possible exposure to hazardous chemicals onboard the aircraft, Ottaviano wrote in a news release.
An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident. Those visiting White Sands National Park are asked to check the park’s website for information about closures.
