An F-16 Falcon single seat jet went down today near Joint Base Andrews in the Washington DC area.  The F-16 from Air National Guard’s 113th Wing crashed this morning about six miles southwest of the base. The pilot ejected safely and is reported to be in good condition.

“The aircraft was flying along with other DCANG [D.C. Air National Guard] aircraft in a routine training mission in the greater Washington area. The aircraft carried only the pilot,” Andrews base said in a statement. They also said “the pilot ejected and sustained non-life threatening injuries.”

People in the area reported hearing a loud bang. Some worried it was a bomb. Many saw smoke and flames, but couldn’t see exactly where the plane had crashed. Officials later said the plane crashed about 200 yards from any homes in the area. – The Washington Post

The pilot purposely tried to steer the jet in a direction where there were no houses. It is miraculous no one on the ground was hurt.

Featured image by video screen capture Kent Roberson