Pilot ejects as jet catches fire

Washington, June 22: A pilot was forced to eject from a burning F-16 during takeoff 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 defense program 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.