A training flight on Thursday turned near-disastrous for one National Guard pilot, who had to make an emergency landing in Fresno after his entire tank of fuel was emptied mid-air.
Despite having no fuel, the unidentified pilot -- who's assigned to the 144th Fighter Wing of the California Air National Guard -- managed to safely land the plane at Yosemite International Airport Fresno, according to National Guard officials.
Video captured by KMPH-TV in Fresno shows the F-15 approaching the runway as streams of fuel fumes pour from its backside.
While it's unclear where the fuel landed, a rep for the National Guard said there was "no substantial hazard to the local populous."
"Most of the fuel should have dissipated before it reached the ground," Master Sgt. Charles Vaughn with the 144th Fighter Wing, told the Los Angeles Times.
Vaughn added that the "fuel vent" that occurred Thursday was "not supposed to happen" and was not initiated by the pilot.
The cause of the fuel leak remains under investigation.
According to Military.com, the F-15 Eagle has been the military's primary fighter jet aircraft and intercept platform for decades.
"The Eagle's air superiority is achieved through a mixture of unprecedented maneuverability and acceleration, range, weapons and avionics," the website notes. "It can penetrate enemy defense and outperform and outfight any current enemy aircraft."
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