An F-35C Lightning II, a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet belonging to the United States Navy, crashed near Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore in Kings County, California, on Wednesday evening. The crash occurred at approximately 6:30 PM local time, triggering emergency responses from both the base and local authorities.
In a statement, NAS Lemoore confirmed:
“The pilot successfully ejected and is safe. There are no additional affected personnel.”
The fighter jet was assigned to the VFA-125 “Rough Raiders” Strike Fighter Squadron, which is part of the Navy’s elite air combat units operating advanced stealth aircraft. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.
Visuals and Eyewitness Reports
Dramatic visuals from the crash site have surfaced online, showing the wreckage engulfed in flames with thick black smoke rising into the sky. No injuries or damages have been reported on the ground.
Background
The F-35C is the carrier variant of the F-35 series and is designed for naval operations with enhanced landing gear and larger wings. It plays a critical role in the Navy’s air power strategy.
This incident adds to a growing list of mishaps involving high-tech fighter aircraft in recent years, although successful pilot ejections continue to highlight the effectiveness of ejection systems and safety protocols.
More updates are awaited as investigations continue.
