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US military says F-35B jet fighter crashes in California, pilot safe

3 articles
3 sources
0% diversity
Updated 1.8.2026
Key Topics & People
F-35B *United States Marine Corps Miramar airbase San Diego Class A mishap

Coverage Framing

3
Technology(3)
Avg Factuality:87%
Avg Sensationalism:Low

Story Timeline

Aug 1 Morning

1 articles|1 sources
f-35b jet fightercrashpilot safeus marine corpsmiramar airbase
Technology(1)
Al JazeeraAug 1

US military says F-35B jet fighter crashes in California, pilot safe

A US Marine Corps F-35B stealth fighter jet crashed on Friday near the Miramar airbase in San Diego, California. The pilot ejected and was transported to a local medical facility with non-life-threatening injuries. Aerial video showed black smoke rising from the wreckage in a dirt field, and firefighters responded to a vegetation fire near the crash site. The F-35B is a version of the F-35 fighter jet designed for short takeoffs and vertical landings. The US military operates over 630 F-35s across its Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force branches.

MeasuredFactual2 sources
Neutral

Key Claims

factual

A US military F-35B stealth fighter jet crashed near the Miramar airbase in San Diego.

— US Marine Corps

factual

The pilot ejected from the F-35B and was transported to a local medical facility in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries.

— US Marine Corps

factual

Aerial video showed a plume of black smoke rising from the wreckage in a dirt field, with fire retardant and firefighting activity present.

— news helicopter video

factual

The F-35B version of the fighter jet has an engine designed for short takeoffs and vertical landings.

— article

statistic

A single F-35B costs approximately $109 million, and the overall F-35 program is estimated to cost roughly $2 trillion.

— Government Accountability Office (2024 analysis)

Jul 31 Evening

2 articles|2 sources
crashsan diegof-35b jetf-35b stealth fighterclass a mishap
Technology(2)
The Guardian - World NewsJul 31

F-35B jet crashed near Marine Corps in San Diego, pilot ejected safely – officials

An F-35B fighter jet crashed near the Marine Corps Miramar air base in San Diego on Friday morning. The pilot ejected safely and sustained non-life-threatening injuries, receiving treatment at a local medical facility and is in stable condition. The crash, characterized as a "Class A mishap," sparked a small vegetation fire that was extinguished by first responders. The cause of the incident is currently unclear. The F-35B is a variant of the advanced stealth fighter jet used by the Marine Corps, known for its short takeoff and vertical landing capabilities. Investigations into such mishaps can take several months.

MeasuredFactual3 sources
Neutral
South China Morning PostJul 31

F-35B stealth fighter crashed in California, US Marine Corps says

A US Marine Corps F-35B stealth fighter jet crashed in California on Friday near the Miramar airbase in San Diego. The pilot ejected from the aircraft and is expected to survive, having sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The pilot was transported to a local medical facility in stable condition for evaluation and treatment. The Marine Corps has classified the incident as a "Class A mishap." Each F-35B fighter jet has an approximate cost of $109 million.

MeasuredFactual1 source
Neutral

Key Claims

factual

An F-35B fighter jet crashed near Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego.

— article

factual

The pilot ejected safely and sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

— Marine Corps Miramar air base

factual

The crash was characterized as a 'Class A mishap,' the most severe category.

— officials

statistic

A single F-35B fighter jet costs approximately $109 million.

— article

factual

The F-35B version has an engine for short takeoffs and vertical landings.

— article