- An F-35B fighter jet crashed near Miramar air base in San Diego, sparking a small fire that first responders doused.
- The pilot, who has not been publicly identified, sustained non-life-threatening injuries, according to the Marine Corps Miramar air base.
- The Marine Corps said in an updated statement: “The pilot ejected, was transported to a local medical facility in stable condition for evaluation and treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.”
- Officials characterized the crash as a “Class A mishap”, the most severe mishap category, used when damage totals more than $2m, an aircraft is destroyed, or a service member is killed.
- San Diego Fire spokesperson Candace Hadley said firefighters were on scene to respond to a vegetation fire that sparked near the crash site.
An F-35B fighter jet crashed near Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego on Friday morning, causing a small fire that was quickly extinguished by fire crews. The pilot, who has not been publicly identified, ejected safely and was transported to a local medical facility with non-life-threatening injuries, according to Marine Corps officials.123
The incident is classified as a “Class A mishap,” indicating significant damage, as it involves costs exceeding $2 million or the destruction of the aircraft. The F-35B, valued at approximately $109 million, is designed for short takeoffs and vertical landings, making it a versatile asset for the Marine Corps.
Firefighters responded to a vegetation fire that ignited near the crash site, as confirmed by Candace Hadley, a spokesperson for San Diego Fire. The cause of the crash remains unclear, and investigations into such mishaps can take several months. This incident adds to a troubling trend, with at least seven other military aircraft mishaps reported in the U.S. this year, according to the Flight Safety Foundation’s Aviation Safety Network database. The F-35s are regarded as the safest and most capable fighter jets in the military's fleet, according to the Lexington Institute, which specializes in defense technology and national security.7
Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, located about 14 miles north of downtown San Diego, is home to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, which operates various military aircraft, including the F-35B Lightning II.
“The Marine Corps labeled the crash a 'Class A mishap,' the most severe category, used when damage exceeds $2m, an aircraft is destroyed or a service member is killed. San Diego Fire spokesperson Candace Hadley said crews responded to a vegetation fire that sparked near the crash site.”
The Guardian
