BERLIN, September 22. /TASS/. An F-16 fighter jet has crashed at the US Spangdahlem airbase (Rhineland-Palatinate state) in western Germany, the pilot ejected successfully and is receiving medical attention, the airbase said in a statement.

"The cause of the incident is under investigation," the statement noted. The crash occurred around 14:30 local time (12:30 p.m. GMT). Emergency services are at the scene.

According to the newspaper Bild, citing eyewitnesses, the aircraft began losing altitude rapidly after takeoff. Plumes of black smoke are currently rising from the base. TV broadcaster SWR, citing sources, reported that two aircraft had taken off, one of which crashed. US F-16s are stationed at the base. Spangdahlem, along with Ramstein, is considered one of the most important US bases in Europe.