F-35 Accident at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Under Investigation

First responders are at the scene of an accident involving an F-35 at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego. The incident occurred around 10 a.m. on Friday, and the circumstances are still under investigation. A spokesperson for the installation stated, "Emergency personnel are responding to that aircraft mishap that occurred on our flight line at approximately 10 a.m." The aircraft was an F-35 assigned to the Third Marine Air Wing, Marine Air Group 11. Further details are being investigated. An update from a spokesperson confirmed that the pilot safely ejected from the aircraft and has been recovered. This incident is classified as a Class A mishap, which is the most severe classification of accident in military terms. Miramar is a major aviation installation for the Marine Corps, hosting multiple aircraft units under the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and regularly conducting F-35 operations. The base is scheduled to hold America’s Air Show in September. This accident follows several recent incidents involving Marine Corps aircraft, including a crash of an F/A-18D Hornet in June, which also resulted in the pilot safely ejecting. Information regarding injuries or fatalities and whether the incident occurred during a training exercise is not yet available.