F-16C crashes near Washington, cause still unannounced

A Lockheed Martin-built F-16C belonging to the D.C. Air National Guard crashed outside Joint Base Andrews, MD, during a routine training mission with other guard aircraft in the Washington area Wednesday morning, the Air National Guard stated in a release.

The fourth-generation fighter aircraft's sole pilot ejected with non-life-threatening injuries, according to the April 5 release. The Air Force has not disclosed what caused the crash, which occurred at about 9:15 a.m. around six miles southwest of the base.

Rep. Anthony Brown (D-MD) said during a House Armed Services Committee hearing later Wednesday the crash underscores the need for more defense funding to support readiness.