Image: Apr 28, 2025 U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II’s with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 fly near Mt. Fuji, Japan, March 23, 2022. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 supported Marines with VMFA-121 during a training flight simulating close air support at Camp Fuji, Japan. Marine Corps aviation routinely conducts training throughout the region to remain combat-ready in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific and to demonstrate our commitment to the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between the U.S. and Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Harmon) This photograph is considered public domain and has been cleared for release
By Open Chronicle News Desk with Agencies
A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II fighter jet crashed near Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar in San Diego, California, on Friday morning, prompting a large emergency response as firefighters battled flames at the crash site.
Military officials confirmed that the pilot successfully ejected from the aircraft and was safely recovered following the accident.
In a brief statement, the Marine Corps said:
“We can confirm a Class A mishap involving a Marine Corps F-35B in the vicinity of MCAS Miramar. The pilot ejected and has been recovered. More information will be made available shortly.”
The incident reportedly occurred at approximately 10:00 a.m. local time (1700 GMT), according to local broadcaster KGTV.
Aerial footage captured by FOX 5 San Diego shows the burned out, smoldering wreckage of a U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning ll that crashed earlier at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in Southern California. pic.twitter.com/PjS8SykDvM
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) July 31, 2026
Emergency crews respond
Emergency personnel, including firefighters and military response teams, quickly arrived at the scene after the aircraft went down.
Videos shared on social media showed thick black smoke rising above the crash site as fire crews worked to extinguish the burning wreckage.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the aircraft crashed within military property or in an area adjacent to the air station.
No civilian casualties or injuries have been reported.
Investigation expected
The cause of the crash has not yet been determined.
Under U.S. military procedures, a Class A mishap is reserved for the most serious aviation accidents, typically involving the destruction of an aircraft, fatalities, permanent disability or damages exceeding established financial thresholds.
A formal investigation is expected to examine flight data, maintenance records, weather conditions and pilot information to determine what led to the accident.
One of the world’s most advanced fighter aircraft
The F-35B Lightning II, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, is the short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) variant of the fifth-generation stealth fighter developed for the U.S. Marine Corps.
The aircraft is capable of operating from amphibious assault ships and short runways while combining stealth characteristics, advanced sensors, electronic warfare capabilities and networked battlefield operations.
MCAS Miramar serves as one of the Marine Corps’ principal aviation bases and hosts several F-35 squadrons responsible for training and operational missions.
More information expected
Military officials have not released the pilot’s identity or details regarding the aircraft’s mission before the crash.
The Marine Corps said additional information will be provided as the investigation progresses.
The incident marks another high-profile accident involving the F-35 program, one of the most sophisticated and expensive military aircraft projects ever undertaken, although aviation experts note that the fleet has accumulated hundreds of thousands of flight hours across multiple armed forces worldwide.