An F-35 fighter jet crashed during a training flight at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska, prompting a full investigation.
The pilot ejected safely and was quickly rescued. Investigators are now working to determine whether the crash was caused by a mechanical issue, pilot error, or weather conditions.
Military crews secured the area while experts from Lockheed Martin joined the Air Force to study the wreckage and flight data.
The F-35 program, already under fire for its high cost and technical problems, faces renewed scrutiny after this incident. Still, the pilot’s survival highlights the success of the upgraded ejection system — a rare bright spot in a troubling event.
For now, the Air Force is focused on uncovering the cause and ensuring future missions remain safe.