A pilot miraculously escaped with serious injuries after an F-35 fighter jet crashed near Albuquerque International Sunport in New Mexico, erupting into a fireball upon impact.
The $135 million aircraft, en route from Fort Worth, Texas, to Edwards Air Force Base near Los Angeles, crashed on a hillside south of the airfield.
The incident occurred shortly after the pilot stopped to refuel at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, according to manufacturer Lockheed Martin.
The pilot, the sole occupant of the aircraft, was transported to a nearby hospital and is reported to be in stable condition despite the severity of the crash.
The F-35 had just departed from Albuquerque and was on its way to a base in southern California when it crashed around 2 pm local time.
Emergency responders swiftly arrived at the scene, and the injured pilot was conscious during transportation to the University of New Mexico Hospital.
Eyewitness Accounts and Response
Eyewitnesses described seeing the aircraft flying low to the ground before it crashed, kicking up clouds of dirt and dust. Patrick White, who was driving in the area at the time, witnessed the dramatic descent and subsequent explosion.
He reported seeing an enormous plume of black smoke and encountering debris from the jet strewn across the road.
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the crash, but witnesses noted that the aircraft appeared to experience issues shortly after takeoff.
According to a spokesperson for Kirtland Air Force Base, the pilot was ferrying the F-35 from Fort Worth to Edwards Air Force Base when the crash occurred.
The pilot had made a stop at Kirtland for refueling before continuing the journey. While the pilot suffered serious injuries, two civilians assessed at the scene did not require hospitalization.
Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller expressed gratitude for the rapid response of first responders and offered prayers for the pilot’s recovery.
Investigation and Previous Incidents
The crash near Albuquerque marks the second military plane accident in New Mexico within a month.
In April, an F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed near Holloman Air Force Base in the southern part of the state, resulting in minor injuries to the pilot who ejected from the aircraft.
Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the F-35 crash, seeking to determine the cause and prevent future incidents.
As inquiries continue, attention remains focused on the safety protocols and operational procedures of military aircraft.
The incident underscores the inherent risks associated with aviation operations and the importance of rigorous training and maintenance standards to ensure the safety of pilots and civilians alike.
TDPel Media
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