Marine Corps says F-35B jet crashed in California, pilot in stable condition after ejecting

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B stealth fighter jet crashed near the Miramar air base in San Diego, California, on Friday, but the pilot ejected safely and is in stable condition. The pilot was transported to a local medical facility for evaluation and treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, according to an updated statement from the Marine Corps.

Aerial footage showed a plume of black smoke rising from the wreckage in a dirt field, with numerous military and firefighting vehicles present. Witnesses described the event as "crazy," with one driver noting that the jet appeared to slow down and attempt to hover before crashing. The pilot ejected just as the jet was about 100 feet above the ground, deploying a parachute that carried them to safety.

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The pilot ejected, was transported to a local medical facility in stable condition for evaluation and treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

The incident has been classified as a "Class A mishap" by the Marine Corps, the most severe category, which is used when damage exceeds $2 million, an aircraft is destroyed, or a service member is killed. This classification underscores the severity of the incident and the potential financial loss.

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It just blew up, it was crazy.

This crash adds to a growing concern over military aircraft accidents. Data indicates a spike in such incidents in 2024, with at least seven other military aircraft mishaps reported in the U.S. this year alone, according to the Flight Safety Foundation's Aviation Safety Network database. The F-35 program, a joint effort by the U.S. Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force, involves over 630 aircraft and an estimated total cost of $2 trillion. A single F-35B jet costs approximately $109 million.

Despite such incidents, the F-35s are considered among the safest and most capable fighter jets in the military's fleet, according to the Lexington Institute think tank. The F-35B variant is specifically designed for short takeoffs and vertical landings, making it a versatile asset for various operational environments.

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The jet hit the ground right next to another plane. It plowed into the runway and just blew up.