US military jet crashes after Obama commencement flyover

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) – A U.S. Thunderbird jet crashed after performing a flyover at a commencement ceremony at the Air Force Academy in Colorado, the Air Force told Anadolu Agency on Thursday.

The F-16 crashed near Peterson Air Force Base shortly after the aerial maneuver, an Air Force official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

The official said the crash occurred roughly six miles south of the base.

The pilot ejected safely and is undergoing a precautionary medical evaluation.

President Barack Obama, who spoke at the ceremony, briefly visited the pilot at the base before departing Colorado, according to the White House.

"The President thanked the pilot for his service to the country and expressed his relief that the pilot was not seriously injured," spokesman Josh Earnest said in a statement, "The president also thanked the first responders who acted quickly to tend to the pilot."