Military plane crashes in NM after pilot ejects

ROSWELL, N.M. – A military fighter plane crashed Wednesday in southern New Mexico after the pilot ejected safely, Air Force officials said.

The QF-4 Phantom from Holloman Air Force Base crashed in grasslands southwest of Roswell near the community of Hope. The crash sparked a fire that burned 28 acres before it was contained.

The pilot was in good condition, according to a statement from Col. David Krumm, commander of the 49th Wing.

Base officials confirmed there was no live ammunition aboard the plane. However, Krumm said in his statement that the base was "asking the public to cooperate with military and civilian authorities at the scene to ensure the safety of everyone involved."

The aircraft was assigned to and operated by Detachment 1, 82nd Aerial Target Squadron.

The QF-4 is used as a target for weapons testing. It can be flown by remote control or with a pilot.

Base officials said a safety board would be convened to investigate the crash.