According to Colonel Paul Townsend, commander of the 354th Fighter Wing, the pilot encountered an “inflight malfunction” and had to declare an emergency before ejecting. The aircraft went down during its landing approach, causing significant damage. The pilot was reported to be in stable condition and was being evaluated at a medical facility.
Eielson Air Force Base, located about 25 miles south of Fairbanks, has been home to a fleet of F-35s since 2016, following a massive expansion project that included new infrastructure and increased personnel. The base currently hosts 54 F-35 jets and supports thousands of active-duty personnel and their families.
The U.S. Air Force has launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident to determine the cause of the crash and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
This marks the latest in a series of F-35 crashes in recent years. In May, an F-35 en route from Texas to Edwards Air Force Base crashed in New Mexico after a refueling stop, leaving the pilot seriously injured. Additionally, in October, a Marine investigation found that a pilot mistakenly ejected from an F-35, leaving the aircraft to fly unmanned for 11 minutes before crashing in South Carolina in 2023.
With its advanced capabilities, the F-35 can fly for over 12 hours in a single mission, reaching nearly any location in the Northern Hemisphere. Despite its technological advancements, recent incidents have raised concerns over the aircraft’s reliability and safety.
