Pilot escapes US fighter jet crash in Lincolnshire

A PILOT with the US Air Force (USAF) has escaped serious injury after ejecting as his fighter jet came down in a field.

The jet that went down was an F-15. Picture: AP

Emergency services were called to reports of the incident near Broadgate in Weston Hills, Lincolnshire, at about 3.30pm.

Pictures showed a grey military aircraft alongside a plume of smoke.

A spokesman for USAF’s 48 Fighter Wing based at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk confirmed one of its F-15s was involved in the incident during a training exercise.

He added: “The pilot ejected and is safe.”

The area is said to be a popular spot for military training.

Lincolnshire Police said: “The pilot appears to have escaped with very minor injury and has left the scene by helicopter.”

A force spokesman said they were alerted by members of the public.

He added: “The plane has come down in an isolated rural area and no premises have been affected.

“A cordon has been put in place and the public are advised to avoid the area as the plane is alight and the fumes may be hazardous.”