On Friday morning, a F-35B fighter jet crashed at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in Southern California, causing a large fire and thick smoke. The pilot managed to eject and was rescued promptly.
The Marine Corps confirmed that on Friday morning at 10 o’clock local time, an F-35B “Lightning II” combat aircraft had an accident at the Miramar Marine Corps Air Station. The public affairs office of the squadron stated in a release that the aircraft belonged to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing’s 11th Marine Fighter Squadron.
“The pilot ejected safely, has been taken to a local medical facility, is currently in stable condition, undergoing assessment and treatment, with no life-threatening injuries,” the statement said.
Journalists from Fox 5/KUSI TV station spotted smoke as they drove near the Miramar Marine Corps Air Station shortly after 10 am.
Marine Corps officials confirmed that emergency responders were dealing with an “Class A accident” that occurred on the flight line involving the F-35B.
A “Class A accident” in the military is defined as a serious incident that results in loss of life, permanent disability, aircraft destruction, or equipment damage amounting to over $2.5 million.
Officials stated that the aircraft belonged to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing’s 11th Marine Fighter Squadron, and the pilot had ejected and was rescued.
The F-35B is equipped with short takeoff and vertical landing capability, as well as advanced sensors, enabling it to take off from amphibious ships, expeditionary airfields, and areas with limited runway space.
This stealth fighter jet is operated exclusively by the U.S. Marine Corps and manufactured by government contractors Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and BAE Systems. According to the F-35 official website, the average cost of an F-35B is $109 million.
The fire occurred in the area east of the base runway, near the intersection of Kearny Villa Road and Johnson Road.
According to helicopter footage taken by Fox 5, thick smoke billowed near the base, with aircraft wreckage on the ground emitting smoke.
Officials stated that an investigation into the accident is ongoing.
This crash incident comes about 18 months after an EA-18G “Growler” electronic warfare aircraft crashed while landing in the San Diego Bay near the Naval Air Station. At that time, the pilot of the aircraft successfully ejected and was rescued by a fishing boat.