According to officials, a US pilot was ejected successfully prior to his F-16 colliding with the sea near South Korea

The U.S. Air Force pilot successfully bailed on Monday before his F-16 fighter jet crashed into the water off South Korea's southwest coast, military authorities said.

South Korean naval forces recovered the unidentified pilot, who was “awake and in stable condition,” the U.S. 8th Fighter Wing stated. The pilot was returned to Kunsan Air Base near Gunsan, southwestern port city, for additional evaluation.

On a regular training flight from the U.S.-South Korean air base, the pilot had to evacuate due to an unidentified in-flight emergency.

Eighth Fighter Wing, which has two F-16 squadrons, is investigating the in-flight emergency.

The 8th Fighter Wing commander, Col. Matthew C. Gaetke, remarked, “We are grateful for the safe recovery of our Airman by our ROK Allies and that the pilot is in good condition.”