LOS ANGELES: A US fighter jet crashed near a military base in San Diego on Friday, but the pilot survived after safely ejecting before impact, according to military officials.
The aircraft involved was a US Marine Corps F-35B stealth fighter. The incident happened near Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar at around 10:00 a.m. local time.
Officials confirmed that the pilot successfully used the aircraft’s emergency ejection system before the crash. Rescue teams quickly reached the scene and recovered the pilot.
A spokesperson for MCAS Miramar said the aviation accident occurred in the area surrounding the military base. The pilot was later taken to a nearby medical facility for further examination.
Military officials stated that the pilot was in stable condition. They added that the injuries were not considered life-threatening and that medical staff were providing evaluation and treatment.
The cause of the US fighter jet crash has not been announced. Authorities have started an investigation to determine what led to the incident.
Videos shared on social media showed thick black smoke rising from the crash site. Emergency crews and firefighters were seen working to control the fire caused by the burning aircraft.
The military has not released details about possible damage to nearby property or whether anyone else was affected by the accident.
Marine Corps Air Station Miramar is one of the most well-known military aviation bases in the United States. It was once home to the US Navy’s famous “Top Gun” training school for elite fighter pilots.
The base gained worldwide recognition after the release of the 1986 film Top Gun, starring Tom Cruise. Although the training program later moved, Miramar remains an important military aviation center.
The crashed aircraft was an F-35B, one of the three variants of the advanced F-35 stealth fighter program. The F-35B is designed with short takeoff and vertical landing capabilities, making it suitable for operations from amphibious assault ships and shorter runways.
According to manufacturer Lockheed Martin, each F-35B aircraft has an estimated value of around $109 million. The aircraft is equipped with advanced stealth technology, modern sensors, and multi-role combat capabilities.
The F-35 program is one of the largest military aviation projects in the world. It is used by the United States and several allied countries for a wide range of defense missions.
This latest US fighter jet accident adds to the list of military aviation incidents involving advanced aircraft in recent years. Such accidents are routinely investigated to identify technical issues, pilot factors, or other operational concerns.
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Officials are expected to release more information once the investigation progresses. Until then, the focus remains on understanding the cause of the crash while ensuring the pilot receives proper medical care.
