Pilot injured as S. Korean jet catches fire at Singapore Airshow

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A South Korean Air Force Black Eagles aerobatic team performs an aerial display during a media preview for the Singapore Airshow in Singapore on February 4, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / ROSLAN RAHMAN

SINGAPORE, Singapore (AFP) — A pilot was slightly injured when a South Korean aircraft taking part in the Singapore Airshow skidded off the runway and caught fire Tuesday while taking off, authorities said.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) said the aircraft from the South Korean air force’s aerobatic team Black Eagles “skidded and crashed into the grass verge” at the side of the runway and caught fire.

The accident happened as the plane was taking off for the aerial display, which was cancelled.

The Black Eagles were supposed to be the final act of the show that also featured aircraft from Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and the United States.

The South Korean team uses the KAI T-50 Golden Eagle plane, a supersonic advanced trainer and light combat aircraft developed by Korea Aerospace Industries with US firm Lockheed Martin.

“Airport Emergency Service responded to the incident immediately and the fire was extinguished,” the CAAS said.

“The pilot sustained light injuries and is being treated.”

© Agence France-Presse