According to local officials, a military plane crashed near Albuquerque International Sunport in New Mexico on Tuesday, causing serious injuries to the pilot.
The airport reported that around 2 p.m. local time, the plane “crashed off the south side runway at Albuquerque International Sunport,” with only one pilot on board.
The airport posted on its social media platform X, saying: “Flight operations have resumed, but please check with your airline for flight status.”
Albuquerque Fire Rescue spokesman Jason Fejer said in a social media video that the pilot successfully ejected from the plane before it crashed but was sent to the hospital due to “serious injuries.”
Fejer mentioned that two civilians, whose identities were not disclosed, were evaluated at the scene but did not need to be taken to the hospital. He did not explain why they were assessed.
The pilot’s identity has not been disclosed, and the cause of the crash remains unknown.
Lockheed Martin informed the media that the crashed aircraft was an F-35B fighter jet en route from Fort Worth, Texas to Edwards Air Force Base in California. The statement mentioned that the plane crashed after refueling at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico.
Fejer stated that the Bernalillo County Fire Rescue and Kirtland Air Force Base Fire Department also responded to the crash and helped extinguish the large fire at the scene.
“Thanks to the rapid action of the first responders who arrived on the scene. Prayers for the pilot,” said Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller on X after the plane crash.
Fejer mentioned that roads south of the university and Rio Bravo will be closed for a long period, while Kirtland Air Force Base and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the crash.
“Therefore, we advise people to avoid the area to allow the investigation to proceed smoothly,” he added.
This incident marks the second military plane crash in New Mexico following another crash on April 30, when an F-16 fighter jet crashed west of Holloman Air Force Base near White Sands National Park.
According to a statement released by the U.S. Air Force, the sole pilot on board ejected from the aircraft before the crash and was sent to the hospital for treatment. The pilot was later discharged.