Belgian F-16 collides with Leeuwarden Air Base building, two people injured

The pilot of a Belgian F-16 (tail number FA-130) had to use his ejection seat while preparing for the morning flights at the airbase in Leeuwarden, The Netherlands. His F-16 then collided with a building.

A Belgian pilot had to use his ejection seat at Leeuwarden Air Base in the north of the Netherlands today when starting his F-16 in the aircraft parking.

The pilot sustained leg injuries and was taken to the hospital for treatment. A technical member of the Belgian detachment who was present at the incident was also taken to the hospital as a precaution. The families were immediately informed. The aircraft ended up in an empty container park with only material damage as a result.

Emergency services have come en masse to the crash. The fire brigade kept the aircraft wet to avoid any fire. A parachute and smoke could be seen in some pictures, but there has been no explosion.

A team from the ASIB (Aviation Safety Investigation Board) of Belgian Defence will go to Leeuwarden to conduct the flight safety investigation.

The pilot is currently following the Weapons Instructor Course (WIC) in Leeuwarden. This is an international training with participants from Belgium, the Netherlands and Norway. The course lasts six months and runs from 3 May to 22 October. The Belgian Air Force is on-site with five aircraft, four students, four instructors and support staff.