An F-35B military aircraft crashed close to a California air base, leading to the pilot being swiftly taken to a medical center after what the US Marines referred to as a “Class A mishap.”
The incident occurred on Friday afternoon near the Miramar Air Base in San Diego. The US Marines categorized it as a “Class A mishap,” which is the most severe classification for incidents involving damage exceeding $2 million, destruction of a military aircraft, or loss of a service member’s life.
Following the crash, the pilot ejected from the aircraft, was located, and subsequently transferred to a medical facility for treatment, as per an official statement.
A spokesperson confirmed the occurrence of a Class A mishap involving a Marine Corps F-35B near MCAS Miramar, mentioning that the pilot had safely ejected and been rescued, with more details to follow.
Aerial footage captured by a news helicopter revealed smoke emerging from the wreckage in a dusty field, with military and firefighting personnel present at the scene. Flame retardant material was observed on the ground, and efforts were made to extinguish any potential fires.
San Diego Fire’s spokesperson, Candace Hadley, mentioned that firefighters were present to address a vegetation fire ignited near the crash location, redirecting further inquiries to Miramar.
The F-35B aircraft belongs to a group of advanced stealth fighters utilized by the Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force. Known for its vertical landing capabilities and an engine optimized for short take-offs, the “B” variant is a notable addition to the military’s aviation arsenal.
