A pilot was seriously injured when an F-35 fighter jet crashed near Albuquerque International Sunport on Tuesday afternoon, according to authorities. The aircraft, a developmental model of the F-35 fighter jet, was being delivered by Lockheed Martin. Defense Department officials told CBS News that the jet had taken off from Albuquerque and was en route to Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California when the crash occurred.
Crash Details
The F-35 pilot, an Air Force service member, was ferrying the jet from Lockheed Martin’s facility at Naval Air Reserve Station in Fort Worth, Texas, to Edwards Air Force Base. After landing at Kirtland Air Force Base, located just southeast of Sunport, to refuel at around 1 p.m. local time, the pilot took off again, only for the aircraft to crash shortly after. The incident occurred a little before 2 p.m. local time, near the airfield on the south side of the Sunport.
Lt. Jason Fejer, spokesperson for Albuquerque Fire Rescue, reported that multiple agencies responded to the crash site promptly. The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, managed to exit the plane and was taken to the University of New Mexico Hospital with serious injuries. The pilot was last reported to be in stable condition. Two civilians at the scene were assessed but did not require hospital transport.
Response and Aftermath
Aerial footage from KOB-TV showed local firefighters working to extinguish the wreckage blaze. Fire crews successfully put out the fire, ensuring no further risk of explosions or additional damage.
Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller expressed his gratitude on social media for the quick action of the first responders, stating, “Grateful for the rapid action of the first responders who arrived at the scene. Praying for the pilot.”
The incident underscores the inherent risks associated with testing and delivering advanced military aircraft. Investigations are likely to follow to determine the exact cause of the crash and to prevent similar incidents in the future. The presence of civilians at the scene also highlights the potential for collateral damage in such crashes, which fortunately was avoided in this instance.
The F-35 crash near Albuquerque International Sunport serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by military personnel in their duties. As investigations proceed, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and reliability of these advanced fighter jets. The rapid response of local agencies and the stable condition of the pilot are positive takeaways from an otherwise troubling incident. Further updates will likely shed more light on the causes and consequences of the crash, as well as any measures to enhance safety protocols in military aviation.