Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, was the first to report the incident: "At approximately 11:00 am on January 7, a 300-gallon fuel tank fell from an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft from the 96th Test Wing, (based at Eglin, Ed). The tank landed near Eglin Air Force Base in a residential area in Niceville. There were no fatalities or injuries from the incident. No property damage was initially reported. An investigation into the incident is ongoing".

Base authorities have cleared the area and taken all necessary measures to ensure the fallen tank is removed safely. As an initial part of the investigation, a drone flew over the area last Wednesday to thoroughly examine the impact area from above, a statement said.

External auxiliary tanks are used on military aircraft to extend their operational range in the event that internal fuel capacity is inadequate. These can be intentionally jettisoned at any stage of flight, when they are no longer needed: a capability that by reducing weight and drag improves the performance of the aircraft, making it more maneuverable especially during combat actions.