Pilot ejects as jet catches fire in US

Washington June 22 (IANS) A pilot was forced to eject from a burning F-16 during take-off at an airport in the US.

According to a statement from North American Aerospace Defence Command the pilot safely ejected at the Houston Ellington Airport on Wednesday reports Xinhua news agency.

The jet and its pilot were on a training mission as part of the Noble Eagle air defence programme that began after the September 11 2001 terror attacks.

A series of explosions were heard and smoke rose into the air when the fighter jet was taking off.

A spokesman for the Texas Air National Guard 147th Reconnaissance Wing said the jet had ammunition on board at the time of the crash.

An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash.

--IANS
ksk/vt