Why Did America’s F-35 Fighter Jet Crash? Investigation Begins
News Desk
Washington: The exact cause of the crash remains unknown, and US military authorities have launched an investigation to determine why the advanced stealth fighter went down during landing.
A US Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jet crashed while attempting to land at Miramar Marine Corps Air Station near San Diego, California, on Friday morning. The pilot safely ejected from the aircraft moments before impact and survived with non-life-threatening injuries.
According to US military officials, the crash occurred on the air station’s flight line and has been classified as a Class A military accident, the most serious category of aviation mishaps involving loss of life, permanent disability, or damage exceeding $2.5 million.
The aircraft burst into flames immediately after crashing, sending thick black smoke into the air. Emergency responders and firefighting crews rushed to the scene and quickly brought the fire under control.
In a statement, the US Marine Corps confirmed that the pilot safely ejected before the crash and was taken to a local medical center, where he remains in stable condition.
Witnesses said the fighter jet appeared to descend unusually low while approaching the runway. Instead of touching down safely, it struck an open field near the air station.
Speaking to Fox News, eyewitness Wade Lott, 36, said he saw two fighter jets approaching to land. The first landed normally, while the second appeared to slow dramatically as though it was hovering. When the aircraft was about 100 feet above the ground, the pilot ejected, and the parachute deployed successfully moments before the jet crashed and exploded.
San Diego Fire Department spokesperson Candace Hadley said firefighters responded immediately to extinguish both the aircraft fire and a nearby brush fire sparked by the crash. Aerial footage showed firefighters using foam and water to suppress the flames as black smoke billowed from the wreckage.
The F-35B Lightning II is one of the world’s most advanced stealth fighter aircraft. It is capable of short takeoffs and vertical landings (STOVL), allowing it to operate from amphibious assault ships and short runways. Each aircraft is estimated to cost around $109 million.
Military officials have not yet determined what caused the aircraft to crash. Investigators are examining flight data, aircraft systems, weather conditions, and other factors to establish the exact cause of the incident.
