F-35 fighter jet crashes in California

A Marine Corps F-35B stealth fighter jet has crashed in the US state of California. However, the pilot was able to eject (get out of the plane) just before the crash. As a result, he was injured, but his injuries are not life-threatening, the US military said.

The Marine Corps said that the pilot was taken to a local hospital after the plane crashed near Marine Corps Air Station Miramar near San Diego. He is undergoing physical examination and treatment there. The cause of the crash was not immediately known.

Footage from the scene shows thick black smoke rising from the wreckage of the crashed plane in an open field. Military members and firefighters are working to bring the fire under control. Firefighting chemicals have covered parts of the crash site.

San Diego Fire Department spokeswoman Candace Hadley said that after the plane crashed, the fire also spread to the surrounding bushes. Firefighters quickly arrived at the scene and began working to control the fire. However, she advised contacting Marine Corps Air Station Miramar for more information about the accident.

According to a witness, two military aircraft were approaching the runway. One of the aircraft suddenly started moving very slowly at low altitude. The pilot ejected while it was about 100 feet above the ground and a few moments later the parachute opened. The plane then hit the ground.

The crashed F-35B is a version of the Lockheed Martin-made F-35 Lightning-2 fighter jet, which is capable of short takeoff and vertical landing. It is mainly used by the US Marine Corps to operate from amphibious warships and air bases with limited facilities.

The Marine Corps said an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident.

Khabar Sama TV