A U.S. military aircraft, specifically an F-35 belonging to the U.S. Marine Corps, reportedly crashed in New Mexico on Tuesday shortly after takeoff. The plane was en route to a Lockheed factory for servicing when the incident occurred.
According to ABC News, the aircraft was being piloted by a defense contract management agency pilot at the time of the crash. Lt. Jason Fejer, the Public Information Officer for Albuquerque Fire Rescue, stated, “Earlier today just before 2 p.m. we started getting reports of a possible aircraft down. Bernalillo County was the first on scene here, they did confirm downed aircraft and started making a search for the pilot and starting fire suppression efforts.”
The response to the crash was swift, with Albuquerque Fire Rescue, Bernalillo County, and Kirtland Air Force Base joining efforts to manage the situation. Lt. Fejer confirmed that the pilot managed to eject from the aircraft and was transported to the hospital with serious injuries. Additionally, two civilians at the scene were evaluated for potential injuries.
🚨#BREAKING: A military F-35 fighter aircraft has crashed at Albuquerque International Airport, causing a huge explosion.
📌#Albuquerque | #NewMexico
Currently, numerous emergency crews are on the scene after a military F-35 fighter jet crashed at or near Albuquerque… pic.twitter.com/pkPgB0qjES
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) May 28, 2024
“The road is going to be shut down here for an extended time, Kirtland and the FAA will be taking over this investigation,” Lt. Fejer continued. “So we’re advising people to please avoid the area, let this investigation run its course, and they will get things back open up as soon as possible.”
He provided a summary of the incident: “We did have an aircraft go down, the pilot was able to escape and was transported to the hospital, a fire has been extinguished. They’re in the process of cleaning up the scene and kind of mopping up any hotspots. And that’s where we’re at for now.”
The investigation into the crash is being led by Kirtland Air Force Base and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Authorities are working to secure the area and ensure public safety as they proceed with their inquiries into the cause of the crash.
This incident highlights the risks associated with military aviation and the importance of coordinated emergency response efforts. As the investigation unfolds, further details about the circumstances leading to the crash and the condition of the pilot will likely be disclosed.
