Pilot Ejects Safely Amid Second Military F-16 Crash In 24 Hours
A South Korean Air Force F-16C fighter jet crashed in a mountainous area near Yeongju during a nighttime training flight on February 25, 2026. The pilot safely ejected and was later rescued. Initial reports indicated no civilian casualties, but the crash triggered a wildfire affecting about 660 square meters, prompting temporary evacuations of nearby residents. The South Korean Air Force has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, which is the second military F-16 incident in less than 24 hours. This incident was first reported by AeroTime.