US F-35 crashes into runway
Date
1/30/2025 3:25:21 AM
(MENAFN) An F-35 fighter jet crashed at Eielson Air Force Base near Fairbanks, Alaska, around 1 p.m. on Tuesday, resulting in significant damage to the aircraft. However, footage circulating online suggests the jet was entirely destroyed upon impact with the runway. Despite the severity of the crash, the pilot emerged unharmed and was taken to Bassett Army Hospital for a routine evaluation.
The crash occurred within the base's perimeter, and emergency responders, including ambulances and fire trucks, quickly arrived at the scene. The affected runway area has been secured, and an investigation into the incident is underway.
A dramatic video, believed to be filmed by base personnel and leaked online, shows the jet plummeting while the pilot safely parachutes to the ground. Col. Paul Townsend, commander of the 354th Fighter Wing, emphasized the importance of personnel safety, stating, "Our people are our most important resource, and we are committed to ensuring their safety and security."
The Air Force has launched an investigation to confirm the details of the crash. Eielson Air Force Base, located about 25 miles south of Fairbanks, is home to 54 F-35s and plays a key strategic role due to its location, allowing fighter jets to cover the northern hemisphere in a single flight.
This incident adds to a series of F-35-related accidents, including a May 2024 crash during a flight from Texas to California, and an October 2023 incident where a pilot ejected prematurely, leaving the plane to crash in South Carolina.
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