COLUMBIA, S.C. – F-35 Jet Incident Under Investigation
Authorities reported that an advanced F-35B Lightning II fighter jet crashed in rural South Carolina after the pilot ejected under questionable circumstances. The incident occurred on September 17, 2023, following a 50-minute training flight with another F-35. The investigation, released by Marine Corps officials on Thursday, indicates the pilot may have made a premature decision to eject.
Details of the Accident
The U.S. Marine Corps pilot was attempting to land at Joint Base Charleston during heavy rain when the aircraft experienced multiple malfunctions, including problems with radios, transponders, and navigation systems. An electrical issue occurred during the flight, and lightning was reported in the area, contributing to the challenges faced by the pilot.
Context of Ejection
During the chaotic moments leading to the crash, the pilot reported seeing his helmet display flicker on and off. Overwhelmed by uncertainty regarding the plane’s status, the pilot ultimately decided to eject, unaware that the aircraft was still operable. The investigative report revealed that the fighter jet flew unmanned for approximately 11 minutes and covered a distance of over 60 miles (100 kilometers) after the pilot left the cockpit.
Challenges in Recovery
Initial efforts to locate the missing jet were hampered by its advanced stealth technology, which rendered it difficult to track. The aircraft was not found for more than 24 hours, leading to widespread public interest and memes circulating on social media, portraying the jet as “missing.” When the debris was located, the wreckage was scattered across rural Williamsburg County.
Cost of the Recovery Operation
It took approximately 17 days to safely collect and assess the wreckage and address fuel spills and other hazards at the site. The cost of the recovery operation exceeded $2.1 million. Investigators noted that the F-35B‘s low-observable technology significantly complicated the search process.
Survival of the Pilot
Fortunately, the pilot survived the incident, landing in a backyard in North Charleston and requesting emergency assistance. After parachuting into the area, the pilot informed the homeowner that he had some back pain but appeared otherwise safe. The investigation did not disclose the pilot’s name due to privacy concerns.
Ongoing Investigation
Investigators continue to evaluate the events leading up to the crash. Although the pilot was informed that standby instruments were functioning accurately, the report did not clarify what information the pilot received prior to ejecting, as the crash recorder did not capture that data.
The Marine Corps plans to use the findings from this investigation to enhance safety protocols and prevent similar incidents in the future. As recovery efforts wind down, the focus shifts to understanding the failures that led to the unexpected ejection and the subsequent crash of the highly sophisticated F-35B Lightning II.
