F-35 Fighter Jet Crashes In Training Pilots Safely Ejects

F-35 Fighter Jet Crashes During Training in Alaska; Pilot Ejects Safely

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, ALASKA – A U.S. Air Force F-35 fighter jet crashed during a training mission at Eielson Air Force Base on Tuesday, with the pilot successfully ejecting before impact, officials confirmed.

Col. Paul Townsend, commander of the 354th Fighter Wing, stated that the aircraft suffered an “inflight malfunction” while approaching for landing, prompting the pilot to declare an emergency and eject. The pilot was transported to Bassett Army Hospital and is reported to be in stable condition.

“The pilot is safe and has been transported for further evaluation,” Townsend said in a news conference. “I can assure you the United States Air Force will conduct a thorough investigation in hopes to minimize the chances of such occurrences from happening again.”

Crash and Investigation

The incident occurred at 12:49 p.m. local time, resulting in “significant aircraft damage,” according to a statement from the 354th Fighter Wing. The cause of the inflight malfunction remains unknown, and an investigative board will determine the circumstances leading up to the crash.

Eielson Air Force Base, located approximately 25 miles south of Fairbanks, is home to over 50 F-35 jets. The base serves as a key operational hub for Arctic defense and U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy.

Dramatic Video Captures Crash

Footage of the crash, reportedly filmed from the base’s flight line, shows the Lockheed Martin-built fighter jet descending rapidly with its landing gear extended. The aircraft appeared to spin before plunging almost vertically and crashing in a fiery explosion. The video also captures the moment the pilot’s parachute deployed.

Growing Concerns Over F-35 Safety

While the F-35 is a crucial component of the U.S. military’s air fleet, the aircraft has faced scrutiny over recent crashes and technical issues.

In May, an F-35 crashed in New Mexico shortly after a refueling stop while en route from Texas to Edwards Air Force Base in California, resulting in serious injuries to the pilot. Additionally, in October, a Marine Corps F-35 was left flying autonomously for 11 minutes after a pilot ejected unnecessarily over South Carolina, raising questions about training and emergency response protocols.

The Air Force has not announced any operational stand-downs following Tuesday’s crash, but aviation safety experts emphasize the importance of investigating the cause to prevent future incidents.

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