The advanced stealth aircraft went down near a Marine Corps air station in San Diego, with the pilot escaping after ejecting before the crash.
SAN DIEGO, United States — WEB DESK: A United States Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II fighter jet crashed near a Marine Corps Air Station in San Diego, California, after the pilot safely ejected from the aircraft.
According to Marine Aircraft Group 11, the single-seat F-35B went down at around 10:00 a.m. local time before reaching the runway at the military air station.
Pilot Ejects Safely
The US military said the pilot successfully ejected using the aircraft’s emergency escape system before the crash.
The pilot sustained minor injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital, where officials said the individual was in stable condition and out of danger.
Emergency Response
Firefighters at the air station quickly responded to the scene, extinguishing flames from the aircraft wreckage as well as a nearby grass fire caused by the impact.
No additional injuries or damage to surrounding facilities were immediately reported.
Investigation Underway
The cause of the crash has not yet been determined.
US military officials have launched an investigation to determine what led to the accident.
About the F-35B Lightning II
The F-35B Lightning II is one of the world’s most advanced stealth multirole fighter aircraft, designed with short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) capabilities.
The aircraft is operated by the United States Marine Corps as well as the armed forces of the United Kingdom and Italy.
The estimated unit cost of an F-35B is approximately US$102 million, depending on production configuration and procurement contracts.
