F-35 fighter jet crashes at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska

An F-35 fighter jet crashed at Eielson Air Force Base in Fairbanks, Alaska with the pilot safely ejecting before impact, reports FOX News, which provided a detailed story of the military incident. The crash occurred on Tuesday at 12:49 p.m. local time, causing significant damage to the aircraft that is valued at approximately $80 million; according to the Center for Arms Control & Non-Proliferation, the jet is valued at $135 million when including the ancillary costs like depot maintenance, ground support equipment, and spare parts. 

The pilot, whose identity remains undisclosed, was immediately transported to Bassett Army Hospital and is reported to be in stable condition. 

According to a press release from Eielson Air Force Base, Colonel Paul Townsend, commander of the 354th Fighter Wing, emphasized the base’s commitment to personnel safety and announced that the Air Force would thoroughly investigate the incident. The 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs confirmed that the impact occurred within the base's boundaries, ensuring contained management of the incident. 

The dramatic incident was captured on video, as CNN’s comprehensive report revealed, showing the Lockheed Martin-built jet spinning in tight circles with its extended landing gear as it descended almost vertically before crashing in a massive flame plume. The pilot experienced an in-flight malfunction during the landing phase of the training mission and managed to eject safely, with the parachute visible in the recorded footage. 

The F-35, while celebrated for its advanced stealth and combat capabilities serving the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps, has faced increased scrutiny due to recent incidents, including a crash in May 2024 when an F-35 went down in New Mexico after a refueling stop, resulting in serious injuries to the pilot.