US F-35 fighter jet crashes at Alaska base, military confirms
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Colonel Paul Townsend, commander of the 354th Fighter Wing, assured that the Air Force would launch a “thorough investigation” into the incident to prevent future crashes.
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US Air Force fighter F-35 performs aerobatic maneuvers on the second day of the Aero India 2023 at Yelahanka air base in Bengaluru, India, Tuesday, February 14, 2023. (AP)
A US Air Force F-35 jet crashed at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska on Tuesday, with base officials confirming that the pilot ejected safely and was hospitalized.
Video circulating online shows the moment an F-35 fighter jet crashed Tuesday during a training exercise at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska.
— ABC News (@ABC) January 29, 2025
The pilot experienced an "inflight malfunction" but was able to safely eject from the aircraft, officials said. https://t.co/dsv7KRNNJN pic.twitter.com/YaTfonFS7S
According to a press statement, the crash occurred at 12:49 pm local time (21:49 GMT Tuesday), resulting in "significant aircraft damage." Officials added, "The pilot is safe and has been transported to Bassett Army Hospital for further evaluation."
The advanced fighter jet went down within the base's perimeter, prompting an emergency response.
Colonel Paul Townsend, commander of the 354th Fighter Wing, assured that the Air Force would launch a "thorough investigation" into the incident to prevent future crashes.
A fifth-generation fighter, the F-35 is comparable to the Su-57 - however, Russia’s jet outclasses it in maneuverability and firepower—all without the $2 trillion price tag.
— RT (@RT_com) January 29, 2025
*Video from a 2024 F-35 accident in Albuquerque. pic.twitter.com/zUNBeHmxmk
Videos circulating online appear to show the aircraft nose-diving before crashing and erupting into flames. The cause of the crash has not yet been determined.
Last year witnessed a series of F-35 crashes, raising concerns about the aircraft's safety and reliability. Multiple incidents, including crashes during training and operational missions, prompted investigations into the causes and potential design flaws.
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