An F-35B stealth fighter jet crashed near the Miramar Air Base in San Diego, California, on Friday local time. The aircraft caught fire after the crash, while the pilot safely ejected and was not reported to be in serious danger.
The U.S. Marine Corps confirmed that the pilot successfully used the ejection system before the crash. After receiving initial medical treatment, the pilot was admitted to a local medical center, where officials said the condition was stable. Authorities have launched a detailed investigation into the cause of the accident.
Aerial video released after the incident showed black smoke rising from the crash site. Multiple military and fire department vehicles were deployed to the scene. Firefighters used specialized firefighting materials and water to extinguish the blaze.
Security personnel established a perimeter around the crash site, and investigating agencies sealed off the area. According to officials, the immediate priorities are extinguishing the fire, securing the wreckage, and determining the cause of the crash.
A spokesperson for the San Diego Fire Department said emergency crews acted immediately to control a nearby fire caused by the incident. No civilian casualties have been reported.
According to eyewitnesses, the crashed jet was approaching the runway alongside another military aircraft. Eyewitness Wade Lott said the first aircraft landed normally, but the second aircraft suddenly slowed in an unusual manner.
According to Lott, the aircraft was about 100 feet above the ground when the pilot ejected. Moments later, the jet struck the ground and caught fire following a loud explosion.
Eyewitnesses said the ejection system played a critical role in saving the pilot's life. Modern military aircraft are equipped with emergency systems designed to protect pilots in such situations.
The F-35B is an advanced variant of the U.S. F-35 Lightning II program. It is considered a fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft and is among the world's most advanced multirole fighter jets.
One of the aircraft's defining features is its Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) capability, allowing it to operate from relatively short runways and perform near-vertical landings when required. This capability distinguishes it from conventional fighter aircraft.
The F-35B is primarily operated by the U.S. Marine Corps. The aircraft is equipped with advanced sensors, stealth technology, network-centric warfare capabilities, and advanced weapons systems.
According to analysts, the cost of a single F-35B aircraft can be approximately 109 million U.S. dollars. The U.S. Department of Defense has invested extensively in the program and is expected to continue expanding the use of the aircraft in the coming years.
The F-35 is regarded as one of the world's most advanced and capable fighter aircraft. Defence experts say the platform has changed the concept of modern aerial warfare.
However, like any complex military system, the F-35 program has faced technical challenges and accidents from time to time. Despite this, experts say the aircraft's safety record is considered better than that of many other modern fighter aircraft.
According to U.S. military officials, pilots have successfully ejected in most accidents involving the aircraft, helping prevent greater loss of life and property.
