U.S. Marine F-35B Crashes Near San Diego After Pilot Ejects
A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter crashed near Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California, on Friday, July 31, after the pilot successfully ejected moments before the aircraft went down.
According to the U.S. Marine Corps, the pilot was transported to a local hospital and remains in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries.
Witnesses said two aircraft were approaching the runway, with the first landing safely. The second aircraft reportedly slowed suddenly and appeared to attempt a hover before losing control. The pilot ejected at an estimated altitude of 100 feet (30 meters), after which the aircraft crashed and burst into flames.
The Marine Corps has classified the incident as a Class A Mishap, the highest category of aviation accidents involving damages exceeding US$2 million or the total loss of an aircraft. An F-35B Lightning II is valued at approximately US$109 million.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.