The US Air Force (USAF) lost a Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fighter jet in Alaska on Tuesday.
The stealth fighter jet was on approach to land at Eielson AFB when it experienced an “in-flight malfunction.” The pilot managed to eject safely as the F-35 plummeted to the ground out of control.
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The crash occurred at 12:49 p.m., the 354th Fighter Wing, which the aircraft was part of, said.
“Our people are our most important resource, and we are committed to ensuring their safety and security,” said Colonel Paul Townsend, commander of the 354th Fighter Wing. “I can assure you the United States Air Force will conduct a thorough investigation into this incident to minimize the chances of such occurrences from happening again.”
The video below captures the moment shortly after the pilot ejected and shows the F-35 falling.
Many orders, delayed production
The F-35 stealth fighter is the most comprehensive project of the US Department of Defense in many years. The aircraft is operated not only by the Air Force but also by the Navy and Marines.
The program also has several international partners and has won all the competitions it has competed in.
However, Lockheed Martin has suffered from problems in the development of the fighter and delayed the production of the aircraft, which has already completed more than a thousand units.
Last year, the F-35 was the target of criticism from billionaire Elon Musk, who considered it an expensive project that is not capable of performing many missions well.
Musk is currently a close advisor to President Donald Trump.
