A US Air Force F-35 fighter jet crashed and burst into flames following a training exercise at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska.
The pilot successfully ejected before impact and was later taken to a medical facility, where they were reported to be in stable condition.
According to Colonel Paul Townsend, commander of the 354th Fighter Wing, the jet suffered an “in-flight malfunction” before crashing near the airfield during the landing phase. The pilot had declared an in-flight emergency before the accident ABC NEWS Reports.
Unverified footage circulating on social media appears to show the pilot descending by parachute as the aircraft spiraled downward before hitting the ground and erupting into a fireball.
The crash, which occurred early Tuesday afternoon, caused extensive damage to the aircraft. An investigation is now underway to determine the cause of the incident.
“Our people are our most important resource, and we are committed to ensuring their safety and security,” Colonel Townsend said, emphasizing that the Air Force will conduct a thorough investigation to prevent similar accidents in the future.
Eielson Air Force Base, located about 40 kilometers south of Fairbanks, was selected in 2016 to host 54 F-35s, leading to significant infrastructure expansion. As of July 2024, the estimated cost of a single US Air Force F-35 Lightning II fighter jet is approximately $102.1 million USD ($160 million AUD).