Ukraine loses F-16 repelling Russian air attack, pilot safely ejects
Ukraine’s Air Force lost contact with an F-16 fighter jet at around 3:30 a.m. on May 16, while it was repelling a Russian air attack, but the pilot safely ejected and is unharmed, the Air Force command reported.
The pilot, engaging four airborne targets, destroyed three using the aircraft’s cannon before an onboard malfunction occurred, prompting him to steer the jet away from a populated area and eject successfully.
Rescue teams quickly located and evacuated the pilot, who is in satisfactory condition and safe, with no threat to his life or health, according to the report.
A commission has been appointed to investigate the incident’s circumstances objectively, and it has already begun its work.
