June 21, 2017 (by Lieven Dewitte) -
A Oklahoma Air National Guard F-16 caught fire and crashed during takeoff from Ellington Airport in Houston. The pilot safely ejected and was taken to the hospital.
USAF F-16C block 42 #89-2028 of the 125th FS crashed and burned today
The fire crews initially had to wait for the fuel to burn off before approaching the F-16 as the live munition on board was a concern.
The F-16C Block 42E serial
#89-2028 belongs to the
Oklahoma Air National Guard’s 138th Fighter Wing. It was part of a detachment stationed at Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base, which also hosts the Texas Air National Guard’s
147th Reconnaissance Wing.
The pilot only suffered “minor injuries' but was taken to the hospital by military transport.
There was a 6 hours evacuation order for the area covering a 4,000 square foot radius from the crash site.
Ellington Airport shares the space with the Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base, home to the Texas Air National Guard's 147th Fighter Wing. The facilities are also shared with
NASA.
