An F-35B Lightning II fighter jet crashed near Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego on Friday, following an “aircraft mishap,” according to military officials.
The jet, part of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing’s Marine Aircraft Group 11, went down shortly before 10 a.m. PT.
The pilot successfully ejected and was taken to a medical facility with non-life-threatening injuries, as confirmed by the Marines. The crash ignited a fire in a field near the base, which emergency crews quickly worked to extinguish.
The incident is classified as a Class A mishap, involving either a fatality or equipment damage exceeding $2 million. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
The F-35B is a versatile fighter jet known for its short takeoff and vertical landing capabilities, making it suitable for operations on smaller decks. The aircraft is used by the U.S. Marines, Navy, and Air Force, among other international forces.
Lockheed Martin, the jet’s manufacturer, states that more than 1,340 F-35s have been delivered worldwide, with over 630 operated by the U.S. military. The cost of an F-35B is approximately $109 million.
Stars and Stripes and NBC News reported that the pilot is in stable condition and receiving treatment. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with military officials leading the inquiry.
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