A U.S. Air Force F-35 fighter jet crashed Tuesday at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska during a training exercise. The pilot safely ejected after declaring an inflight emergency and is in stable condition, according to Col. Paul Townsend of the 354th Fighter Wing. The crash caused extensive damage to the aircraft.
The Air Force has launched an investigation to prevent future incidents. Eielson Base, located near Fairbanks, has expanded significantly since 2016 to accommodate 54 F-35s and 3,500 personnel.
This is the latest in a series of F-35 crashes, including incidents in New Mexico last May and South Carolina in 2023.
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