A fighter jet crashed at a military base in San Diego on July 31, authorities said, triggering a large emergency response.
The crash occurred at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar and involved a F-35B Lightning II fighter jet, said 1st Lt. Blake Starbuck, a spokesperson for the air base.
The pilot ejected from the aircraft and was later recovered, Starbuck said, adding that the pilot was “en route to a medical facility.”
Starbuck described the crash as a “mishap” and said more information will be released when available.
Smoke rises after a Marine Corps F-35B accident at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California, U.S., July 31, 2026 in this frame grab taken from video footage.
Videos from local television stations show plumes of smoke emanating from the jet.
The F-35 is considered the most advanced war plane in the world. The Pentagon purchased jets in three styles: F-35A for the Air Force, F-35B for the Marines and F-35C for the Navy. The F-35B can take off and land vertically, similar to how a helicopter takes off and lands.
This is a developing story.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: F-35 fighter jet crashes at Marine Corps air base in San Diego
