A US Marine Corps F-35B fighter jet crashed near Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego on Friday, with the pilot ejecting safely before the aircraft hit the ground, military officials said.
The incident occurred at about 10 a.m. local time in the vicinity of the air station, according to a spokesperson for the base. Emergency responders were immediately dispatched to the crash site after the aircraft went down.
Military officials later confirmed that the pilot was rescued and transported to a medical facility. The service member was reported to be in stable condition and was receiving treatment for injuries described as non-life-threatening.
The cause of the crash has not been disclosed, and authorities have launched an investigation to determine what led to the accident. Standard military procedures call for a detailed review of the aircraft’s maintenance history, flight data and operational conditions following such incidents.
Videos shared on social media showed a large column of black smoke rising from the crash site as firefighters worked to extinguish the flames. Emergency crews secured the area while investigators prepared to examine the wreckage.
There were no immediate reports of injuries to civilians or damage to nearby property. Officials also did not indicate whether the aircraft had been on a training mission or another type of operation when the crash occurred.
Marine Corps Air Station Miramar is one of the United States’ best-known military aviation facilities. Located in San Diego, the base was once home to the US Navy’s elite Fighter Weapons School, widely recognised as the original “Top Gun” program that inspired the 1986 film starring Tom Cruise.
The aircraft involved was an F-35B, one of three variants of the fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighter developed by Lockheed Martin. The F-35B is designed for short take-off and vertical landing operations, allowing it to operate from amphibious assault ships and shorter runways that are unsuitable for conventional fighter aircraft.
The advanced stealth fighter is equipped with sophisticated sensors, communications systems and combat capabilities, making it a key part of the US Marine Corps’ air fleet. According to manufacturer Lockheed Martin, each F-35B aircraft has an estimated cost of about $109 million.
The crash adds to a series of incidents involving military aircraft in recent years that have prompted renewed attention on flight safety, maintenance procedures and pilot training. Military officials have not said when operations involving similar aircraft at the base will resume.
Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft wreckage and flight records over the coming days before releasing preliminary findings on the cause of the accident.
