CALIFORNIA : A US Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II fighter jet crashed near a military airbase in Southern California on Saturday, with the pilot successfully ejecting from the aircraft before sustaining only minor injuries, authorities confirmed.
According to a statement from the US Marine Aircraft Group 11, the single-seat stealth fighter went down at approximately 10:00 am local time while approaching the runway at the Marine Corps Air Station in San Diego. The aircraft crashed before it could reach the landing strip, prompting an immediate emergency response.
The pilot, whose identity has not been released, parachuted to safety and was swiftly transported to a nearby medical facility. Officials confirmed that he sustained minor injuries and that his condition is stable and out of danger.
Following the impact, base firefighters rushed to the scene and successfully extinguished the wreckage of the aircraft, as well as a grass fire that had ignited in the surrounding area due to the crash.
The cause of the incident remains unknown at this time. The US military has launched a formal investigation to determine the factors that led to the crash, officials confirmed.
The F-35B Lightning II is widely regarded as one of the world’s most advanced fifth-generation stealth fighter jets. Distinguished by its short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) capability, the aircraft is designed for operation from austere bases and amphibious assault ships. The jet carries an estimated unit cost of approximately $102 million and is currently in service with the US Marine Corps, as well as the Royal Air Force and Italian Air Force.
