A Swiss air force fighter jet has crashed next to a lake in Friesland, but the pilot managed to eject and is said to doing well considering the circumstances.

The jet narrowly missed a house on the lake next to the village of Beetgum, which remained undamaged, broadcaster NOS said.

The Northrop F-5 was taking part in an airshow at the Leeuwarden air base and was flying in formation with five others when it fell to the ground. According to one report, it may have hit another jet. Photos on social media show another of the planes with a damaged tail.

The pilot used his ejector seat and crashed through the roof of a nearby greenhouse complex when he landed, NOS said.

The Swiss defence ministry has not so far commented on the crash, but a news conference will take place early this evening.