F-35 jet ‘mishap’ on San Diego Marine base, pilot ejected
An F-35B stealth jet assigned to the 3rd Marine Air Wing experienced a severe mishap at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar on Friday morning. The incident resulted in the pilot ejecting from the aircraft, which was later confirmed by base officials. The pilot was successfully recovered following the emergency sequence.
Witnesses spotted thick smoke rising from the base shortly after 10 a.m. Military emergency teams immediately responded to the scene, which was located on a flight line east of the runways near the intersection of Kearny Villa Road and Johnson Road. Helicopter footage broadcasted shortly after the event showed a charred airframe on the ground.
The military classifies this event as a Class A mishap, a designation used for accidents that cause death, permanent disability, or property damage exceeding $2.5 million. The F-35B is an advanced combat aircraft known for its short takeoff and vertical landing capabilities, with production led by Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and BAE Systems. Each unit costs approximately $109 million.
This incident follows a similar aviation emergency from about 18 months ago, when an EA-18G Growler crashed into the San Diego Bay during a landing approach. That incident also concluded with the safe ejection and rescue of the crew. Investigations into the cause of this recent mishap are underway to determine the technical or procedural factors involved.