EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) -- A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 49th Wing crashed west of Holloman Air Force base Tuesday morning, April 30 near White Sands National Park, Holloman Air Force Base said in a news release.
The sole pilot on board successfully ejected and was transported by ambulance for medical care.
Col. Justin Spears told KTSM that the pilot is in stable condition and has been released.
The crash happened at about 11:50 a.m. Tuesday, Holloman officials said.
Emergency response teams are responding to the scene using the entrance road at White Sands National Park. The park is open but certain areas are currently closed off to the public to allow for emergency crews, Holloman officials said.
Our crew on the scene reports that White Sands National Park is closed.
Spears also said they are working with local authorities to ensure the safety of the public and the integrity of the crash site.
He cited regional partners White Sands National Park, New Mexico State Police, the Otero County Sheriff's Office and the the U.S. Army Flight Operations Detachment for helping with the response.
