An
F-35 fighter jet
crashed at a base in Alaska on Tuesday (local time). The Air Force pilot ejected safely. The matter is under investigation.
“The pilot is safe and has been transported to Bassett Army Hospital for further evaluation,” a statement from the Air Force said.
A video of the accident showed the jet fatally crashing into the ground bursting into flames.
The incident took place on the runway at
Eielson Air Force Base
, though it remains unclear whether the advanced fighter aircraft was landing or taking off at the time, according to Eielson spokesperson Staff Sgt. Kimberly Touchet, who spoke to The Associated Press.
Eielson Air Force Base was selected in 2016 to host 54 F-35 fighter jets, leading to a massive expansion costing over half a billion dollars. The development included 36 new buildings, dozens of housing units, and an influx of approximately 3,500 active-duty airmen and their families.
Known for its long-range capabilities, the F-35 can fly for more than 12 hours, reaching almost anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere in a single mission. However, the aircraft has been involved in multiple incidents in recent months.
English (US) ·