Lanes closed off near jet crash site
Hydraulic issue blamed for malfunction of F-16
RIVERSIDE, Calif. — A wide area including a freeway around an F-16 fighter jet crash site in Southern California remained off-limits Friday as military and civilian authorities investigated.
An explosive ordnance team was at the scene, but officials would not say whether there were any armaments aboard the jet.
“As more information becomes available, which we expect to have later today, we will be able to release that information,” Col. Thomas McNamara, vice commander of the Air Force Reserve’s 452nd Air Mobility Wing, said at a news conference.
The aircraft crashed Thursday afternoon through the roof of a warehouse near March Air Reserve Base southeast of Los Angeles.
There was no explosion and no serious injuries.
The pilot ejected safely before the crash and was in good condition, Mcnamara said. The pilot’s name was not released.
Authorities cordoned off an area for three-quarters of a mile around the scene, including a section of heavily traveled Interstate 215.
“Avoid this area at all costs,” said Terri Kasinga, district spokeswoman for the California Department of Transportation.
No residential areas were involved, but the closure affected businesses and adjacent Riverside National Cemetery, authorities said.
The crash occurred during a training mission, March Air Reserve Base Deputy Fire Chief Timothy Holliday said.
“The pilot was having hydraulic problems,” he said. “He started losing control of the aircraft.”
Holiday said it was a “miracle” the jet didn’t cause a fire or an explosion.
The crash started a small fire that was quickly doused by the building’s sprinklers, state fire Capt. Fernando Herrera said.