A U.S. Air Force F-35 stealth fighter jet crashed on Friday morning close to a military base in San Diego, California, according to American officials. The incident involved an F-35 Bravo of the Marine Corps and occurred near the MCAS Miramar airbase, as confirmed by a spokesperson for the base.
The pilot successfully ejected from the aircraft and was rescued. He is currently being transported to a medical facility, the spokesperson added.
While the spokesperson could not confirm whether the pilot sustained injuries or if others were harmed, they assured that the U.S. military would provide further details about the incident shortly.
Initial images circulating on social media depict a plume of smoke rising from the burning aircraft, with response teams attempting to extinguish the fire using water cannons.
Additionally, online footage captured the moment of the fighter jet’s crash.
The F-35 is a multi-role, fifth-generation stealth fighter jet utilized by the U.S. military.
Miramar base is renowned globally for hosting the training school for elite U.S. Navy pilots, which inspired the film “Top Gun” starring Tom Cruise.
