Military: F-16 crashes during takeoff, pilot uninjured

An F-16 takes off from Balad Air Base on its way to air support mission in February.

U.S. F-16 warplane crashed during takeoff at a base north of Baghdad on Sunday, but the pilot was uninjured, the military said.

The cause of the accident is under investigation, the military said in a statement.

The Air Force plane was taking off for a combat mission, to provide close air support to troops on the ground fighting militiants, when the crash occurred at Balad Air Base, 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Baghdad, it said.

The pilot of the single-seat aircraft ejected safely and was taken to be evaulated by doctors, it said.

Read the rest at the International Herald Tribune