US Air Force investigating after fuel tank fell from F-16 flying over residential area

A 300-gallon fuel tank which was dropped from a US Air Force fighter jet ended up landing close to a residential area in Florida, it has emerged.

The 96th Test Wing F-16 Fighting Falcon's external fuel tank is said to have impacted near Eglin Air Force Base in a residential area named Niceville.

Officials at the base said that an investigation had been launched and a drone had been flown over the area where the tank fell "to thoroughly survey the impact zone".

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They also said the relevant authorities had begun cleaning up the area and would remove the fuel tank.

It is typical for F-16s to fly with two external fuel tanks, one under each wing, providing the aircraft with greater range.

Military pilots have the ability to 'ditch' or 'dump' external fuel tanks from their aircraft in an emergency or when conducting high G-force manoeuvres during air-to-air combat and surface-to-air attacks.

There were no fatalities or injuries reported from the incident and no property was damaged. US Air Force officials said the investigation was ongoing.