F-35 crashes at Alaskan Air BaseF-35 crashes at Alaskan Air Base

Pilot ejects and investigation is underway

Eielson AFB, Alaska – January 29, 2025 – A fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighter crashed on Tuesday (28) at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska. The pilot managed to eject successfully before the aircraft crashed, and was rescued in stable condition and taken for medical evaluation. The incident mobilized emergency teams and triggered a detailed investigation into the causes.

The Accident

At around 2pm local time, the aircraft, which belongs to the 354th Fighter Group’s operational fleet, failed in flight during a training exercise. Witnesses reported that the fighter showed instability before impact, resulting in a significant fire on the runway. Firefighting teams from the base quickly contained the flames and cordoned off the area.

Rescue and Pilot Condition

The pilot activated the ejection seat and fell into a safe area within the base perimeter. He was immediately attended to by paramedics and transferred to Bassett Army Hospital. Military authorities report that he is conscious and in stable condition, with no imminent risk to his life.

Investigation underway

The US Air Force Safety Command has already launched an investigation to determine the causes of the accident. Experts will analyze the flight logs, communication with the control tower and possible mechanical or electronic failures.

This is yet another incident involving the F-35, one of the most advanced and expensive fighter jets ever produced. The aircraft program, developed by Lockheed Martin, has been the target of criticism due to persistent technical challenges and high operating costs.

History of problems

Accidents involving the F-35 are not unprecedented. In September 2023, an F-35 disappeared for more than 11 minutes before crashing in a rural area of South Carolina, after the pilot ejected due to a technical problem. Recent reports indicate that only 50% of the US F-35 fleet is fully operational, well below the target set by the Pentagon.

Eielson Air Force Base was one of those chosen to receive the F-35, with 54 units assigned to operations in the region. The accident raises new concerns about the aircraft’s reliability in extreme environments such as the Arctic.

The US Air Force has not yet released details on the impact of the accident on the F-35 fleet’s operations, nor on corrective measures. Officials reinforced their commitment to operational safety and promised to maintain transparency about the unfolding investigation.

By admin