Rita Odafe
On January 28, a pilot from the U.S. Air Force successfully ejected from an F-35 Lightning II just before it crashed and caught fire during a training session at Eielson Air Force Base, located southeast of Fairbanks, Alaska.
According to Col. Paul Townsend, who leads the 354th Fighter Wing, the pilot faced an “inflight malfunction” but was able to escape the jet. The incident happened while the aircraft was landing.
Prior to the crash, the pilot reported an inflight emergency. He is currently stable and receiving medical attention, as confirmed by the colonel.
The crash, occurring early Tuesday afternoon, resulted in extensive damage to the aircraft, as noted in an Air Force statement.
Eielson Air Force Base is situated approximately 25 miles (40 kilometers) south of Fairbanks.
Col. Townsend mentioned that the Air Force plans to conduct a comprehensive investigation to prevent such incidents from reoccurring.
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