WASHINGTON (AFP) - The pilot of an F-16 fighter ejected safely when the plane crashed on a training mission near Washington on Wednesday (April 5), an Air Force official said.

Air Force spokesman Colonel Pat Ryder said the plane crashed in an unpopulated area about 10km south-west of National Harbour.

He said the plane was based at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, which is also home to the president's plane, Air Force One.

"The pilot ejected and is safe," Col Ryder told AFP.

The F-16 was part of the 113th Wing of DC's Air National Guard.

Col Ryder said he was not aware of any casualties on the ground.

Investigators will launch a probe.