Archive · 12 Jun 2025
S. Korea Grounds KF-16s After Alaska Air Exercise Accident
South Korea has stopped flying its KF-16 fighter jets after a problem during a training exercise in Alaska with the US military.
A plane had an emergency during takeoff, and the pilots had to jump out.
They weren't badly hurt, but the plane got damaged.
South Korea is sending a team to figure out what went wrong and fix the plane.
This is the first time a South Korean fighter jet has had an accident while training outside of Korea.
South Korea grounded its KF-16 fighter jets after an accident during a US-led air exercise in Alaska.
The accident involved a twin-seat fighter jet, and the pilots ejected during takeoff.
The pilots sustained minor injuries, and the aircraft was partially damaged by fire.
A team was dispatched to Alaska to investigate the cause and perform maintenance.
The incident is the first known accident involving a South Korean fighter jet overseas.
- Who
- South Korean Air Force and US 354th Fighter Wing.
- What
- A South Korean KF-16 fighter jet was involved in an accident during a Red Flag air exercise.
- When
- The accident occurred earlier this week, on Tuesday US time.
- Where
- Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska.
- Why
- The exact cause of the accident is under investigation.
- Aircraft Type
- KF-16 fighter jet
- Location of Accident
- Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska
- Exercise
- Red Flag-Alaska
- Pilot Injuries
- Minor burns and lacerations
- Aircraft Damage
- Partially damaged due to fire
- Team Dispatched
- 20-member team