Tag Archives: aviation incident

F-35

F-35 Goes Down, Pilot Pops Out: Navy Confirms Safe Ejection After Fiery Crash

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In a startling yet safely contained turn of events, a U.S. Navy F-35C fighter jet crashed near Naval Air Station Lemoore in central California, sending flames soaring through a cotton field. The pilot, ejecting just in time, was swiftly recovered and is expected to recover well. As smoke settled, authorities confirmed no other injuries. Lockheed Martin, the aircraft’s maker, pledged support as investigations began. This incident, involving one of the world’s most advanced jets, has once again placed the F-35 under a sharp spotlight.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

  • U.S. Navy F-35C jet crashes near Naval Air Station Lemoore

  • Pilot ejected safely; recovered with parachute nearby

  • Wreckage found engulfed in flames in cotton field

  • Assigned to VFA-125 “Rough Raiders” squadron

  • Investigation into crash cause is ongoing

  • F-35C is carrier-based variant of advanced fighter series

  • Lockheed Martin monitoring situation and offering support

  • 20 F-35-related incidents reported between 2014–2024

Navy Confirms Safe Ejection

In a brief statement issued by Naval Air Station Lemoore, the Navy confirmed the successful ejection of the pilot and emphasized that no other personnel were impacted by the crash.

“The pilot successfully ejected and is safe. There are no additional affected personnel,”
— Statement from NAS Lemoore

The incident occurred at approximately 6:40 p.m., prompting a rapid emergency response. Local authorities, including the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, received multiple reports of the crash and dispatched personnel to the scene. The crash site, located in an agricultural area, was difficult to access. However, first responders bulldozed a path to reach the burning jet and were able to extinguish the fire before it spread.

Local Authorities Respond Swiftly

The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office later confirmed the discovery of the pilot, who had landed with a parachute in a nearby field.

“The pilot was located in a field close to the crash site and transported to a hospital for evaluation. He is expected to be in good condition,”
— Fresno County Sheriff’s Office

The precise cause of the crash has not yet been determined. Military investigators have been deployed to assess the wreckage and review flight data, as part of a standard protocol in such incidents.

Lockheed Martin Reacts

Lockheed Martin, the aerospace company that produces the F-35 fighter jets, responded publicly, offering its cooperation and reaffirming its commitment to safety.

“We are aware of the F-35 incident at Naval Air Station Lemoore. Safety is our priority, and we are standing by to support the United States Navy as needed,”
— Lockheed Martin Statement

What Is the F-35C?

The F-35C is one of three variants of the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter. It is specifically designed for aircraft carrier operations and is considered one of the most advanced stealth multirole fighter jets in service today. The F-35A is the standard version used by the U.S. Air Force, while the F-35B is capable of vertical take-off and landing and used by the U.S. Marine Corps.

The F-35 program has faced both acclaim for its advanced capabilities and scrutiny due to cost and mechanical issues. The crash near NAS Lemoore marks another entry in the aircraft’s complex operational history. According to the F-16.net’s global database tracking F-35 events, there have been 20 recorded F-35 incidents between 2014 and 2024, spanning different models and countries.

Next Steps

With the immediate safety of personnel confirmed, focus now turns to understanding what led to the crash. Investigators will examine potential mechanical failures, human factors, or environmental conditions that could have played a role. The Navy has not released additional information regarding the mission, speed, or altitude at the time of the crash.

While such incidents remain rare given the jet’s widespread deployment, each occurrence prompts a thorough review to prevent recurrence. The pilot’s successful ejection is a testament to the advanced safety systems integrated into the F-35 program.

As the investigation continues, both the military and aerospace industry will be watching closely.

As the investigation unfolds, the Navy and defense experts will closely examine the circumstances behind the crash of the F-35C—an aircraft symbolizing cutting-edge aerial power. While the pilot’s safe escape offers relief, the incident raises renewed attention on operational safety and mechanical reliability. With Lockheed Martin standing by and officials probing deeper, this episode serves as both a reminder of modern aviation’s risks and a testament to the life-saving systems onboard. For now, the skies are calm, but questions continue to circle above.

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Pilot Goes Silent, Plane Disappears Over Sea Before San Diego Landing

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A private plane linked to Scripps Research Institute CEO Peter Schultz has vanished over the Pacific Ocean, triggering a federal investigation. The single-engine 2014 Cessna T240 Corvalis TTx, piloted by a friend of Schultz, lost contact just moments before it was scheduled to land in San Diego. The aircraft continued off-course and is now presumed to have crashed roughly 470 miles offshore. With no signs of debris or survivors, the incident has drawn sharp attention. The National Transportation Safety Board is probing the mystery behind the silent flight’s deadly turn.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Cessna aircraft owned by Scripps CEO Peter Schultz disappears over Pacific

  • Pilot, a friend of Schultz, went unresponsive before missing final approach

  • Plane cleared to land at Montgomery-Gibbs Airport, but continued flying west

  • Last known location was 470 miles off San Diego coast

  • No wreckage or survivors found as of Thursday

  • NTSB confirms active investigation into the incident

A small private aircraft connected to the CEO of the Scripps Research Institute, Peter Schultz, disappeared over the Pacific Ocean this week, prompting a federal investigation. The missing aircraft, a 2014 Cessna T240 Corvalis TTx, was reportedly being piloted by a close associate of Schultz. Authorities believe the pilot may have been unresponsive in the critical moments before the aircraft veered off its expected course and vanished.

The aircraft departed Ramona Airport on Sunday afternoon and was headed for San Diego’s Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, a route typically under an hour by air. Around 1:55 p.m., the pilot made contact with the airport’s control tower in preparation for landing. Controllers granted him clearance to approach runway 28R. But just minutes later, the pilot went silent.

According to data gathered by the Aviation Safety Network, the aircraft failed to descend toward the designated runway and instead maintained an altitude of roughly 2,600 feet, flying westward. It continued past its intended destination until it was no longer traceable, presumed to have impacted the Pacific Ocean approximately 470 miles off the coast of San Diego.

No debris or physical remains of the aircraft have been found as of Thursday, and no survivors have been reported.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the aircraft’s disappearance. The exact cause of the incident remains unknown.

“The aircraft was piloted by a friend of Dr. Peter Schultz and is believed to have had only one occupant,” the Scripps Research Institute said in a brief statement released to the press. “We are deeply concerned and await further information as authorities investigate the matter.”

The identity of the pilot has not been publicly disclosed, pending notification of next of kin. Aviation authorities and emergency responders continue to monitor the area where the aircraft is believed to have gone down, although the remote location significantly complicates search efforts.

Aviation experts note that unresponsive pilot incidents, though rare, are not unheard of. Possible contributing factors range from sudden medical emergencies to technical malfunctions in cabin pressurization.

“There are still many unanswered questions,” an NTSB spokesperson said. “We’re examining air traffic control recordings, radar data, and any other available evidence to determine what exactly occurred during the flight.”

While no direct statement has been made by Schultz himself, those familiar with the case say he is cooperating with investigators. The scientific community has expressed concern and sympathy as the situation unfolds.

As authorities continue to search for answers, the disappearance of the aircraft has left behind a trail of silence, speculation, and sorrow. With no trace of wreckage and no confirmed survivor, the flight’s abrupt and unexplained deviation has stirred both concern and curiosity. As the National Transportation Safety Board deepens its probe, the aviation world watches closely—seeking clarity on a flight that began routinely but ended in mystery over open waters.

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Boeing’s Leadership Faces Fresh Turbulence After Air India Jet Disaster

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In a dramatic turn for global aviation, Boeing once again finds itself under sharp spotlight after an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed minutes after take-off from Ahmedabad, killing nearly all 242 people on board. This marks the first fatal accident involving the widely trusted Dreamliner series, shaking public faith and pausing celebrations of the company’s recent gains. As CEO Kelly Ortberg pulls out of the Paris Air Show to lead crisis response, questions rise, eyes turn, and silence deepens over what caused this dark cloud in Boeing’s sky of recovery.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Air India Boeing 787-8 crashes minutes after take-off from Ahmedabad

  • Nearly all 242 passengers and crew killed in the worst aviation disaster in a decade

  • CEO Kelly Ortberg cancels Paris Air Show appearance amid ongoing investigation

  • Boeing grapples with public trust issues and scrutiny over safety protocols

  • 787 Dreamliner sees first fatal crash since entering service in 2011

  • Company shares fall 4.8% as investors react to the incident

  • No confirmed link yet to manufacturing or design flaws

In a devastating blow to the aviation industry and Boeing’s ongoing struggle to restore its global standing, an Air India-operated Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad on Thursday, killing nearly all 242 people on board. The flight, en route to London, went down just minutes after departure—marking the first fatal accident involving Boeing’s advanced wide-body 787 jet.

The tragedy comes at a particularly sensitive time for Boeing. After months of turbulence marked by production delays, regulatory pressure, and waning public trust, new CEO Kelly Ortberg was poised to represent the company at the Paris Air Show—an industry-defining event—highlighting recent progress, including more than 300 new orders and improved production flow. Those plans have now been scrapped.

Ortberg, along with Boeing Commercial Airplanes chief Stephanie Pope, has canceled the Paris trip to focus on internal operations and the ongoing investigation.

“Stephanie and I have both canceled plans to attend so we can be with our team and focus on our customer and the investigation,”

Ortberg wrote in an internal memo Thursday evening.

Though the cause of the crash is still unclear, early assessments by aviation safety experts suggest there is no immediate evidence pointing to a manufacturing or design defect. However, in the court of public opinion, Boeing continues to walk a tightrope. With a history of high-profile incidents—most notably the twin tragedies involving the 737 MAX—the pressure is once again on the aircraft giant to explain and respond swiftly.

Ortberg addressed employees with a familiar but urgent tone: “Safety is foundational to our industry and at the core of everything we do.” He assured that Boeing’s technical experts are prepared to assist global investigators and that a dedicated team stands ready to travel to India to offer direct support.

This tragic development threatens to derail Boeing’s efforts to rebuild confidence after a series of crises. In January 2024, a door plug on a 737 MAX aircraft blew out mid-flight, leading to a sharp reputational decline, high-level leadership exits—including former CEO Dave Calhoun—and intensified scrutiny from regulators and passengers alike.

The 787 Dreamliner involved in the crash had been part of Air India’s fleet since January 2014. Having completed over 41,000 flight hours, including 420 in May and 165 in June, the aircraft had not raised recent concerns prior to the incident. The Dreamliner, despite being grounded briefly in 2013 over battery-related issues, has maintained a strong safety record over the past decade. This makes Thursday’s event particularly unsettling for industry insiders.

“It’s difficult to get the public to understand that a plane crash doesn’t automatically imply a fault with the aircraft manufacturer,”

said John Nance, an aviation expert and former commercial pilot. “But perception matters, and Boeing has little goodwill to spare.”

Public trust remains elusive. The latest Axios Harris Poll ranks Boeing 88th out of 100 companies in terms of reputation—a sobering reminder that despite technical strides, the company’s brand image has yet to recover. This lingering doubt may amplify the fallout from the Air India crash, regardless of the eventual cause.

Investor reactions reflect the growing uncertainty. Boeing shares plunged 4.8% on Thursday, while stock prices of its key suppliers—Spirit AeroSystems and GE Aerospace—also dipped by about 2%. Boeing’s outstanding debt also experienced minor sell-offs following the news.

Although analysts such as Edward Jones’ Jeff Windau believe the incident is unlikely to impact production in the long term, they acknowledge the heightened pressure on Boeing to prove that its quality control measures are sound. “There could be enhanced scrutiny on manufacturing and quality procedures,” Windau said.

The Paris Air Show was meant to signal a turning point for Boeing. Instead, it now serves as a backdrop to renewed crisis management, with the company once again in defensive posture—facing tough questions from regulators, airlines, investors, and the flying public. In the days to come, the focus will not be on the unveiling of new aircraft, but on whether Boeing can weather yet another storm.

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