US Air Force F-16 jet crashes at White Sands National Park, pilot ejected safely

Aaron Martinez, El Paso Times
Updated ·2 min read
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A U.S. Air Force F-16 jet crashed near White Sands National Park in New Mexico, authorities said.

The U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed about 11:50 a.m. Tuesday in White Sands National Park about five miles west of Holloman Air Force Base in Alamogordo, officials with the 49th Wing at Holloman Air Force Base said.

Two F-16 Vipers from the 314th Fighter Squadron at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, fly next to a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Columbus, Ohio, over New Mexico on Nov. 15, 2022.
Two F-16 Vipers from the 314th Fighter Squadron at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, fly next to a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Columbus, Ohio, over New Mexico on Nov. 15, 2022.

The pilot, whose name has not been released, successfully ejected from the jet. The pilot was the only person in the jet when it crashed, officials said.

The pilot was taken to a hospital by ambulance for medical care, officials said. The pilot is in good condition and was released from the hospital Tuesday evening, officials said.

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“I want to take the time to personally thank our partners in the local community — the White Sands National Park, New Mexico State Police, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Otero County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Army Air Flight Detachment, for their support today,” U.S. Air Force Col. Justin Spears, 49th Wing commander, said in a statement. “They were vital in the response efforts. On days like today, we are incredibly proud to be part of this amazing community.”

The cause of the crash is under investigation, officials said. The crash is being investigated by "qualified officers," officials said.

The 49th Wing mission at Holloman AFB is to conduct F-16 Fighting Falcon and MQ-9 aircrew training, officials said. The F-16 is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft and has flown in numerous conflicts, including Operation Desert Storm, Operation Allied Force, Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Iraqi Freedom, officials said.

An F-16 Viper jet in a hanger at Holloman Air Force Base in Alamogordo, New Mexico.
An F-16 Viper jet in a hanger at Holloman Air Force Base in Alamogordo, New Mexico.

"Holloman personnel are working closely with local authorities, specifically the White Sands National Park staff, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the public and first responders, and to protect the integrity of the crash site," officials said.

All non-emergency personnel are urged to "avoid the area to prevent possible exposure to hazardous chemicals onboard the aircraft," officials said. Emergency response teams responded to the scene using the entrance road into White Sands National Park.

White Sands National Park remains open but certain areas are currently closed to the public to allow for emergency response, officials said. Community members can check the White Sands National Park website for information about closures at nps.gov/whsa/index.htm.

No further information has been released.

Aaron Martinez may be reached at amartinez1@elpasotimes.com or on Twitter @AMartinezEPT.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: US Air Force plane crashes at White Sands National Park