▲ This image, provided by the Gyeongbuk Fire Service Headquarters, shows a wildfire after an F-16C fighter jet crashed near Yeongju in North Gyeongsang Province on Feb. 25, 2026. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

(LEAD) fighter jet-crash

(LEAD) Fighter jet crashes in Yeongju; pilot makes emergency escape

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SEOUL, Feb. 25 (Yonhap) -- An F-16C fighter jet crashed near Yeongju in North Gyeongsang Province on Wednesday, but the pilot safely ejected, the Air Force said.

The aircraft, assigned to Chungju Air Base, went down in a mountainous area near Yeongju at about 7:31 p.m. during a nighttime training exercise, according to the Air Force.

"The pilot ejected safely and has been confirmed unharmed, and no civilian damage has been reported at this time," the Air Force said in a text message to reporters.

Fire authorities located the pilot at approximately 8:10 p.m., after he became caught in a tree about 20 meters high while descending by parachute.

The crash site, on a mountainside about 500 meters high, is in rugged terrain that authorities said could delay rescue operations.

Authorities also said the crash sparked a wildfire, adding that they are working to contain the blaze.

The Air Force said it has formed a task force to determine the exact cause of the crash.

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