Air Force pilot ejects before F-16 crash off South Korea

An F-16 crashed in the Yellow Sea near South Korea after the fighter jet pilot ejected from the cockpit, according to the U.S. Air Force.

The U.S. 8th Fighter Wing said in a statement the F-16 Fighting Falcon “experienced an in-flight emergency” at around 8:43 a.m. local time, forcing the pilot to eject.

South Korea’s naval forces rescued the pilot, who is recovering from the crash and is in stable condition.

“We are grateful for the safe recovery of our airman,” Col. Matthew Gaetke, commander of the 8th Fighter Wing, said in a statement while also thanking South Korea for the rescue.

The cause of the crash is unknown and an investigation is underway.

Kunsan Air Base, home of the 8th Fighter Wing, is located on the west coast of South Korea on the Yellow Sea.

The incident comes just a few months after a pilot ejected from an F-35 over South Carolina.