Marine Corps F-35B crashes on runway of California base, pilot safe
Source: Task & Purpose
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A F-35B fighter jet was involved in the military’s most severe type of aviation mishap near Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in Southern California on Friday morning, according to the Marine Corps.
“We can confirm a Class A mishap involving a Marine Corps F-35B in the vicinity of [Marine Corps Air Station] Miramar,” the Marine Corps said in a statement. “The pilot ejected and has been recovered. More information will be available as the situation develops.”
The incident happened at approximately 10 a.m. Pacific Time. The F-35B, assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, had an unspecified mishap on the flightline of the base. A witness told the Associated Press that the plane crashed while landing at the base.
The Marine Corps added that the pilot is in stable condition and is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries at a local medical facility. is enroute to a medical facility.
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Local media in San Diego reported smoke rising near Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, with aerial footage purportedly showing the plane on a burnt field just outside the base.
According to the military, a Class A mishap involves either a loss of life or damage to equipment greater than $2.5 million.
The mishap is the latest in a series of stateside aviation incidents in recent months. In May, two Navy E/A-18G Growlers collided during an airshow in Idaho; all four crew members safely ejected. In June, a Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet from Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing crashed near Mount Rainier in Washington state. On June 15, an Air Force B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base in California, killing all eight people on board.
This is a developing story.
Update: 7/31/2026; This article was updated with a new statement from the Marine Corps, which identified the unit the aircraft is assigned to.
The post Marine Corps F-35B crashes on runway of California base, pilot safe appeared first on Task & Purpose.
Classification
Region
North America
Analytical Domain
Operational
Primary Category / Secondary Categories
Casualties & Losses / Military Operations
Subcategory
Equipment Losses
SALUTE Report
Size
1 F-35B fighter jet
Activity
crashed on the runway during landing
Location
Marine Corps Air Station Miramar · California
Unit
Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
Time
approximately 10 a.m. Pacific Time
Equipment
F-35B fighter jet
Summary
An F-35B fighter jet crashed during landing at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar around 10 a.m. Pacific Time. The pilot safely ejected and is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The incident is classified as a Class A mishap, indicating significant equipment loss.
Key Facts
- An F-35B fighter jet crashed at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.
- The pilot ejected safely and is in stable condition.
- The incident occurred around 10 a.m. Pacific Time.
- The crash is classified as a Class A mishap due to significant damage.
- Local media reported smoke rising from the crash site.