By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2025-01-29 01:21:46 | Updated at 2025-01-30 08:21:42
1 day ago
A fighter jet burst into flames after crashing at a military base, with the pilot managing to escape unscathed.
Footage captured at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska shows the F-35 fighter jet barreling to the ground before exploding on Tuesday afternoon.
The jet can be seen flailing around in mid air, while the pilot safely descends underneath a parachute before it burst into a ball of flames.
It remains unclear what caused the pilot to eject and send the jet crashing to the ground at this stage.
In a statement the 354th Fighter Wing's office described the incident it as causing significant damage.
They said: 'The pilot is safe and has been transported to Bassett Army Hospital for further evaluation.'
Col. Paul Townsend, commander of the fighter wing, added: 'Our people are our most important resource, and we are committed in ensuring their safety and security.
Footage captured at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska shows the F-35 fighter jet barreling to the ground before exploding on Tuesday afternoon
In a statement to Anchorage Daily News, the 354th Fighter Wing's office described it as causing significant damage
'I can assure you the United States Air Force will conduct a thorough investigation in hopes to minimize the chances of such occurrences from happening again.'
The F-35A is the Air Force's latest fighter jet that had replaced the F-16 Fighting Falcons, and the A-10 Thunderbolt II's.
According to Air & Spaces Forces Magazine, the average price of one of the jets is roughly $81 million.
There are currently 54 of the jets stationed at the base, which is situated near Fairbanks, according to Anchorage Daily News.
The jets are long-range supersonic jets that come with stealth capability, and are also capable of reaching anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere in one mission.
This is a breaking news story.
