Emergency crews responded to an aircraft mishap involving a Marine Corps F-35 near Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego this morning, according to official reports. The incident occurred shortly after the plane was spotted on the ground in what appeared to be an open field, with visible black smoke plumes and multiple responders actively battling flames.
Authorities confirmed the pilot ejected safely during the event and was recovered for immediate medical transport. A Marine Corps spokesperson described the crash as a “class A mishap”—the most severe classification used by U.S. military and federal agencies—though details about the cause remain under investigation.
The aircraft, assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, was photographed with its hatch open on scene, alongside emergency vehicles and fire crews applying retardant to suppress the developing fire. No injuries have been reported for the pilot at this time.
This incident follows recent F-35 operational challenges, including a March crash in Nevada where a pilot ejected safely with minor injuries and an unconfirmed July 2025 event near Naval Air Station Lemoore. The U.S. military’s most advanced fighter jet program has faced persistent scrutiny over maintenance issues, supply chain delays, and escalating costs despite its critical role in national defense.