An F-35B military aircraft crashed in close proximity to Miramar Air Base in San Diego, California, leading to the pilot being swiftly transported to a medical facility after what the US Marines termed a “Class A mishap.”
The incident occurred on Friday afternoon, resulting in the jet’s crash near the air base. The US Marines classified the event as a “Class A mishap,” the most serious category reserved for cases where damage exceeds $2 million, a military aircraft is destroyed, or a service member is fatally injured.
Following the crash, the pilot ejected, was rescued, and then taken to a medical facility for evaluation, as confirmed by official statements. A spokesperson stated, “We can confirm a Class A mishap involving a Marine Corps F-35B in the vicinity of MCAS Miramar. The pilot ejected and has been recovered, with more details to follow.”
Aerial footage captured by a news helicopter displayed smoke rising from the wreckage in a dirt field, surrounded by various military and firefighting vehicles, along with individuals in the vicinity. Firefighting efforts were observed, with flame retardant material applied on the ground and personnel using a fire hose to address the wreckage.
San Diego Fire’s spokesperson, Candace Hadley, mentioned that firefighters were present to tackle a vegetation fire that ignited near the crash site, directing further inquiries to Miramar authorities.
The F-35B aircraft belongs to a family of advanced stealth fighter jets utilized by the Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force. Notably, the “B” variant is equipped for vertical landings and features an engine optimized for short take-offs.