Military plane crashes close to Albuquerque airfield, pilot hospitalized following ejection
"An airplane went down on the southern part of Albuquerque International Sunport, New Mexico's busiest airport, based on social media updates. The accident report came in around 2 p.m. Mountain Time, and it was close to Kirtland Air Force Base.
The pilot managed to bail out from the plane before the crash, William Harris from Bernalillo County Fire explains. He was found awake and still breathing. However, the pilot sustained severe injuries and was rushed to a medical facility, according to Albuquerque Fire Rescue Lt. Jason Fejer.
The aircraft had just one occupant, the airport authorities confirmed. The type of aircraft, its original and final destinations, and the factors that led to the crash were yet to be determined. The pilot's identity remains undisclosed.
Both Kirtland Air Force Base and the Federal Aviation Administration have launched an inquiry into the incident, Fejer added.
Images from Bernalillo County Fire Rescue and CNN's KOAT station indicate the plane left behind a ravaged, smoldering heap on the desert ground outside the airport. The emergency crew quickly dealt with the fire.
No information is available regarding the health check of two other individuals by the rescue crew at the site, Fejer mentioned."
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The pilot, being a part of the U.S., was transported to a local medical facility for treatment. The incident has prompted both the Kirtland Air Force Base and the Federal Aviation Administration to initiate an investigation.
Source: edition.cnn.com
