US F-35 fighter jet crashes in California, pilot safe

A US Navy F-35 stealth fighter jet crashed near Naval Air Station Limor, California, on Wednesday (July 30) local time. The crash occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m. local time and the pilot was able to eject safely, according to a Navy press release. The cause of the crash is under investigation. The aircraft was assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron VF-125 “Rough Raiders.” The squadron is a Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS), whose primary responsibility is to train new pilots and aircrew. The jet crashed about 40 miles (64 kilometers) southwest of the city of Fresno at Naval Air Station Limor. It is a major US Navy air base, home to many F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-35C fighter jets. The Navy is now analyzing the black box and other flight data to determine the exact cause of the crash. Initially, it is believed that a technical glitch may have caused the crash, but it will take more time to officially announce anything. Local authorities have taken necessary measures to secure the crash site. No damage to structures or civilians has been reported. The incident could spark a fresh debate within the US defense community about the safety protocols for the F-35, as it is one of the most expensive and sophisticated fighter jets in the world.