Military Aircraft Crash-Lands Near Albuquerque Airport, Pilot Ejects Safely

A military aircraft crashed and caught fire near Albuquerque International Sunport on Tuesday afternoon, sending a plume of black smoke into the sky. Airport officials said the pilot was able to eject safely and was transported to a hospital with serious injuries.

A military aircraft crashed near Albuquerque International Sunport on Tuesday afternoon, sending a plume of black smoke into the sky. Airport officials said the pilot was able to eject safely and was transported to a hospital with serious injuries.

The crash occurred shortly before 2 p.m. local time, according to airport spokesperson Diana Lopez. The aircraft crashed near the airfield on the south side of the airport, close to Kirtland Air Force Base.

Video footage captured by a witness showed a military fighter jet crashing into the ground and bursting into flames. The exact type of aircraft has not yet been confirmed by authorities, but it is believed to be an F-16 Fighting Falcon.

Firefighters and emergency personnel quickly responded to the scene and extinguished the flames. The pilot, who was the only person on board the aircraft, was able to eject safely and was found conscious. He was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries.

Two other civilians were on the scene and assessed for injuries, but neither required hospitalization.

Flight operations at the airport were temporarily suspended due to the crash, but have since resumed. Airport officials are urging the public to avoid the area while the investigation continues.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation by the Air Force.

Kirtland Air Force Base is home to the 377th Air Base Wing, which conducts nuclear operations and trains and equips expeditionary forces. It is also home to the Air Force Research Laboratory.

"Grateful for the rapid action of the first responders who arrived to the scene," said Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller. "Praying for the pilot."