US F-35 Fighter Jet Crashes Near San Diego; Pilot Ejects Safely

An F-35B fighter jet belonging to the U.S. Marine Corps crashed near the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California, on Friday. The aircraft caught fire after the crash, sending plumes of black smoke into the air. Fortunately, the pilot ejected safely and was located and transported to a medical facility for treatment.

The F-35B is a variant of the F-35 Lightning II, one of the U.S. military's most advanced stealth fighter jets, known for its stealth capabilities, supersonic speed, and advanced sensor abilities. The F-35B model is specifically designed for short take-off and vertical landing.

The crash occurred around 10 a.m. local time. Aerial footage circulating on social media showed the aircraft engulfed in flames and causing a grass fire, which was quickly brought under control by responding firefighters. The exact cause of the "aircraft mishap" is under investigation.

Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, located in San Diego, was famously featured in the 1986 film "Top Gun" starring Tom Cruise, which highlighted its role as a training ground for elite Navy pilots.