F-16 slips off runway on landing at Pingtung Air Base

An air force F-16 fighter aircraft left the runway, and ended up nose-down at Pingtung Air Base this morning, according to reports today, Tuesday, August 31.

Pilots were rehearsing for the upcoming Han Kuang military exercises when the fighter jet overran the runway after landing at around 6:30 am.

Witnesses reported seeing several firetrucks and ambulances rush to the scene of the incident.

The Ministry of National Defense said that the pilot is uninjured but has been sent to hospital for an examination in accordance with relevant operating procedures.

Reports say that the weather was rainy at the time and the runway was wet.

Air Force Command issued a press release stating that an F-16 fighter (no. 6829), usually stationed at Hualien Base, was performing a combat readiness take-off and landing exercise at Pingtung Base at 06:32 in the morning. While landing, the aircraft slipped off the runway. The aircraft was slightly damaged. Air Force Command has set up a special team to investigate the incident.

While early reports said the nose of the aircraft had hit the ground, Air Force Command says that the left wing of the aircraft made contact with the ground and sustained minor damage, while the nose was not damaged.

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