A US Air Force pilot safely ejected from an F-35 fighter jet that crashed during a training mission at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska on January 29, 2025. The incident occurred due to an inflight malfunction while the aircraft was landing, according to officials.
- F-35 jet crashed during training mission
- Pilot ejected safely, in stable condition
- Incident occurred at Eielson Air Force Base
- Video captured dramatic crash sequence
- F-35 faces scrutiny despite advanced capabilities
- Previous crashes involving F-35 jets reported
The crash happened around 12:49 p.m. local time, resulting in significant damage to the aircraft. Colonel Paul Townsend, commander of the 354th Fighter Wing, confirmed that the pilot declared an emergency before ejecting safely. After being transported for medical evaluation, the pilot was reported to be in stable condition.
The dramatic incident was captured on video by witnesses at the base. Footage shows the F-35 spinning as it approached land with its landing gear extended before crashing and creating a large flame plume upon impact. An open parachute indicating the pilot’s successful ejection is visible in the recording.
- The F-35 is known for its advanced stealth and combat capabilities.
- Eielson Air Force Base serves as an operational hub for over fifty F-35 jets.
- This incident follows previous scrutiny of the F-35 program due to earlier crashes involving similar aircraft.
In recent months, there have been other incidents involving F-35 jets. In May 2024, one crashed shortly after a refueling stop in New Mexico, injuring its pilot seriously. Another incident involved a Marine Corps pilot who ejected unnecessarily from an F-35 that subsequently flew autonomously for several minutes before crashing in South Carolina.
This latest crash highlights ongoing concerns regarding the reliability of advanced military aircraft like the F-35 and underscores the importance of thorough investigations by military officials to prevent future occurrences.
