What started as a quiet evening in Fresno County, California, quickly turned into a scene of flashing lights and thick smoke.
On Wednesday night, a U.S. Navy F-35 fighter jet went down in a field, sparking a 10-acre fire and immediate concerns over the fate of the pilot.
Thankfully, the situation didn’t end in tragedy.
Pilot Safely Ejects Just in Time
Shortly after the crash, Naval Air Station Lemoore confirmed that the pilot had successfully ejected from the jet and was safe.
That bit of news came as a huge relief, given the high speed and complexity of the aircraft involved.
The F-35 was identified as part of the “Rough Raiders” squadron (VFA-125)—a unit known for training Navy pilots on how to operate these cutting-edge jets.
Crash Occurred Near NAS Lemoore
According to Navy officials, the jet went down around 6:35 p.m. not far from the Lemoore base, on what’s known as the operations side of the installation.
Emergency responders were quickly dispatched, and deputies secured the area.
The crash site was described as a field in Fresno County, and fortunately, no other personnel or civilians were hurt.
Firefighters Tackle Spreading Blaze
The crash triggered a grass fire, which spread quickly through the dry brush.
By 7:55 p.m., Cal Fire reported that the blaze had reached about 10 acres.
Firefighters moved swiftly to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby properties.
Luckily, there were no reports of damage to buildings or homes in the area.
What Caused the Crash?
As of now, the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Incidents like these usually trigger a full safety review, especially given the value and sophistication of the F-35C Lightning II—one of the most advanced fighter jets in the Navy’s arsenal.
Investigators will be looking closely at everything from mechanical issues to possible human error.
A Close Call with a Safe Outcome
While a crash like this is never taken lightly, the fact that the pilot walked away unharmed is the best outcome anyone could hope for in such a dangerous situation.
The Navy and local emergency services responded swiftly, and residents nearby were kept safe.
As the investigation unfolds, the incident will likely spark further conversations about training, safety procedures, and the risks tied to flying high-performance military jets.
