F16 fighter jet collides with private plane in mid-air

Two people on board a Cessna aircraft that collided in midair with an F-16 fighter jet over South Carolina were killed in the crash, according to an official with the National Transportation Safety Board.

Officials did not give the identities of the two people killed in the crash.

The pilot of the F-16, who ejected safely ahead of the crash, was identified as Major Aaron Johnson of the 20th Fighter Wing from the Shaw Air Force Base.

Shaw Air Force base said he had been taken to Joint Base Charleston's medical centre for a health assessment.

"Our thoughts are with the friends and family of anyone aboard the civilian aircraft," a statement from Shaw Air Force Base said.

The pilot of an F-16 fighter jet that collided in midair with a Cessna C150 ejected to safety before the crash, authorities have said.

Lt Jenny Hyden at Shaw Air Force Base, close to the crash site, said the pilot had been taken to the base for observation, though she did not disclose his condition, the Associated Press reported.

The status of the pilot or any passengers on board the Cessna was not immediately known.

Shaw Air Force Base said via Twitter that investigators were attempting to determine the cause of the crash.

An F-16 fighter jet has collided in mid-air with a Cessna C150 private plane in South Carolina, according to the US Federal Aviation Administration.

The pilot of the F16 ejected safely before the crash, according to defence officials.

The status of the Cessna or anyone on board was not immediately known.

The National Transportation Safety Board said it was investigating the incident, which occurred at about 11am local time, about 11 miles north of Charleston.