An F-16 fighter jet from the U.S. Air Force's 52nd Fighter Wing crashed at 14:30 on 22/9 (19:30 Hanoi time) while approaching Spangdahlem military airfield in Rhineland-Palatinate state, western Germany. The pilot safely ejected and is receiving medical attention, according to a press release from Spangdahlem Air Base. Emergency services are on site, and the cause of the incident is under investigation.

Images captured by local residents and published by U.S. media showed a large column of black smoke rising from the base, behind houses.

Smoke rises from the F-16 fighter jet crash site at Spangdahlem Air Base, western Germany, 22/9. *Photo: NY Post*

This incident marks the second F-16 crash involving the U.S. Air Force in the past week. Previously, another F-16 jet crashed into a field near Traverse City, Michigan, and burned out.

The 52nd Fighter Wing, stationed at Spangdahlem Air Base, specializes in operating F-16CJ fighter jets. This unit provides equipment and personnel to U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA) and executes deployment orders from the Supreme Allied Commander Europe of NATO.

The F-16 fighter jets of the 52nd Fighter Wing conduct various missions: suppressing enemy air defenses, providing close air support, striking targets in the rear, air defense, and combat search and rescue support.

Spangdahlem serves as a NATO base managed by the U.S. military. It is a key facility for the U.S. to gather and deploy forces to other regions. For example, in July, the Pentagon deployed F-16 fighter jets from Spangdahlem Air Base to the Middle East to reinforce units there.

U.S. F-16 fighter jet takes off from Spangdahlem Air Base in January. *Photo: USAF*

The F-16 multirole fighter, developed by General Dynamics in the 1970s, is used by the U.S. and its allies. An older F-16 variant costs approximately 30-35 million USD, though prices can vary based on order volume, geopolitical conditions, and other factors. The most modern F-16V variant, developed by the U.S., has an ex-factory price of 60-80 million USD. Including parts, technical support, and training, each aircraft's value can reach 120-200 million USD.

Huyen Le (According to Reuters, NY Post)