An F-35 fighter jet crashed during a training mission at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska, but the US Air Force pilot onboard managed to safely eject, officials confirmed. The incident occurred during the landing phase of the flight due to an inflight malfunction.
Col. Paul Townsend, commander of the 354th Fighter Wing, stated that the pilot declared an inflight emergency before ejecting from the aircraft. The pilot was reported to be in stable condition after being transported to a medical facility for further evaluation.
The 354th Fighter Wing confirmed that the crash resulted in significant damage to the F-35 jet. The dramatic incident was captured on video, showing the jet spinning in tight circles with its landing gear extended before crashing and sparking a large flame plume upon impact.
Eielson Air Force Base, a key operational hub for over fifty F-35 jets, serves as a strategic location for training and missions. The F-35, known for its advanced stealth and combat capabilities, is utilized by the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps.
This recent crash adds to a series of incidents involving F-35 jets. In May, another F-35 crashed in New Mexico after a refueling stop, resulting in serious injuries to the pilot. In a separate incident in October, a Marine Corps pilot ejected from an F-35 prematurely, leading to the aircraft flying autonomously before crashing in South Carolina.
Col. Townsend assured that a thorough investigation will be conducted to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The safety of pilots and the reliability of the F-35 fleet remain top priorities for the US Air Force.
