Air Force’s 25-hour search for $80 million stealth jet after in-air incident.
The Hunt for Missing F-35 Fighter Jet Ends: Pilot Safe, Aircraft Recovered
The search for a missing F-35 fighter jet, which disappeared after a ”mishap,” came to a close on Monday afternoon, concluding a nearly 25-hour operation. The pilot had successfully ejected from the stealth aircraft, but locating the jet proved to be a challenge, leading to an extensive investigation.
House Republicans Opposing Stopgap Spending Measure
Here is what we know about the missing F-35 jet and what lies ahead:
What Happened?
On Sunday at 5:26 p.m., Joint Base Charleston reported a ”mishap” involving an F-35 jet, prompting a response from personnel at the base and Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. The Washington Examiner confirmed that the aircraft in question was an F-35B Lightning II jet, and search-and-recovery efforts were immediately initiated.
The pilot safely ejected and was taken to a local medical center in stable condition, as confirmed by the base on Facebook. The last known location of the plane was north of the air base near Lake Moultrie and Lake Marion.
After nearly 25 hours, a debris field was discovered in South Carolina, approximately two hours northeast of Joint Base Charleston. However, no further details have been released at this time.
“The mishap is currently under investigation, and we are unable to provide additional details to preserve the integrity of the investigative process,” stated the joint base in a post on Monday evening. “We would like to thank all of our mission partners, as well as local, county, and state authorities, for their dedication and support throughout the search and as we transition to the recovery phase.”
Residents of Williamsburg County were advised to avoid the debris field area while recovery efforts continue.
What is a “Mishap”?
The U.S. Air Force defines a “mishap” as any unintended occurrence in the Air or Space Force that results in death, injury, illness, or property damage, according to the Air Force Safety Center website.
History of Similar Crashes
Since the F-35 jets first took flight in 2012, there have been multiple crashes, including one caused by a software glitch in October 2022 and another due to pilot error in January 2022.
Insights into the Missing Jet
The F-35 was left in autopilot mode when the pilot ejected, leaving the possibility that the aircraft could have remained airborne. Additionally, the plane’s transponder was not functioning, and its stealth technology was activated, making it challenging to track.
Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, the F-35 is hailed as the world’s most advanced stealth aircraft, with each jet costing approximately $80 million. It boasts low observable stealth capabilities, reduced engine signatures, and an internal weapon carriage system, making it highly elusive. The jet can travel over 1,000 miles without refueling.
The missing jet belonged to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, as confirmed by the training squadron.
What’s Next?
Following the incident, acting Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Eric Smith issued an order grounding all Marine Corps aircraft within and outside the United States. While some aircraft with upcoming missions were granted a brief delay, they will now be required to stand down for two days, with the order ending on Thursday.
The suspension aims to facilitate discussions on aviation safety and best practices, following “three Class-A aviation mishaps over the last six weeks,” according to a Pentagon press release.
The order comes after recent incidents, including a crash in Australia involving an MV-22 Osprey that claimed the lives of three U.S. Marines and another crash resulting in the death of an F/A-18 pilot. “During the safety stand down, aviation commanders will lead discussions with their Marines focusing on the fundamentals of safe flight operations, ground safety, maintenance, and flight procedures, and maintaining combat readiness,” the statement explained.
Click here to read more from The Washington Examiner.
How do House Republicans’ opposition to funding new F-35 jets reflect the doubts raised about the effectiveness and value of the F-35 program
Er due to a fuel line issue in January 2023. These crashes have raised concerns about the safety and reliability of the F-35 fighter jet, which is considered one of the most advanced and expensive military aircraft in the world.
The search and recovery operation for the missing F-35 jet highlights the importance of addressing these safety concerns. The investigation into the mishap will likely focus on determining the cause of the incident and whether it was related to any previously identified issues with the aircraft.
In the wake of the latest crash, House Republicans have expressed their opposition to the stopgap spending measure that would provide funding for a new batch of F-35 jets. They argue that the crashes raise doubts about the effectiveness and value of the F-35 program and suggest that the funds should be allocated to other military priorities.
On the other hand, supporters of the F-35 program emphasize its strategic importance and the need to invest in advanced military technology. They argue that the crashes should be seen as isolated incidents, and that the overall track record of the F-35 jets remains strong.
Moving forward, it will be crucial to address any underlying issues with the F-35 fighter jet to ensure the safety of pilots and the effectiveness of the program. The investigation into the latest mishap will provide valuable insights into potential improvements that can be made to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the debris field is examined and the recovery phase begins, it is important to remember the dedication and support of all those involved in the search and investigation. Their efforts have ensured the safety of the pilot and the eventual recovery of the aircraft.
In conclusion, the hunt for the missing F-35 fighter jet has come to an end, with the pilot safe and the aircraft recovered. The investigation into the mishap will provide valuable information for addressing safety concerns and improving the reliability of the F-35 program. As discussions continue regarding funding for new F-35 jets, it is essential to weigh the strategic importance of the program against any potential risks. Ultimately, the goal should be to ensure the safety of pilots and the effectiveness of the F-35 fighter jet in protecting national security.
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