F-35 Aircraft Flew Uncontrolled and Crashed Due to Pilot’s Faulty Decision
An F-35 fighter jet belonging to the U.S. Marine Corps continued to fly uncontrolled for approximately 11 minutes after the pilot used the ejection seat to exit the aircraft, following an unmanageable emergency assessment. The incident, which took place last year, ended with the aircraft crashing.
According to the investigation report released on Thursday, the crash, which occurred on September 17, 2023, during a heavy rainstorm in South Carolina, was found to have been caused by the pilot’s incorrect decision. The pilot assumed that the F-35, worth approximately $100 million, was experiencing an emergency due to technical malfunctions and display failures caused by electrical glitches. The pilot interpreted these technical issues as an “uncontrollable flight condition” and decided to exit the aircraft.
The F-35 Flew for 11 Minutes After the Faulty Decision Due to Automated Systems
After the pilot’s departure, the F-35 continued flying autonomously, covering a distance of 112 kilometers over about 11 minutes, thanks to its automatic flight control systems. Flying at a low altitude during this time, the jet’s stealth features and transponder malfunction rendered it undetectable by radar. After ejecting, the pilot landed in the yard of a nearby house and notified authorities by calling 911.
To go along with the ATC audio put together by Aeroscout, here’s the full radio traffic from Charleston County EMS/Fire for the #F35 pilot ejection beginning from the initial dispatch until they cleared the scene.
Units: Medic 8 (Charleston County EMS), Engine 210 (North… https://t.co/zzJiybqlOy pic.twitter.com/6HY4CAg7jF
— ☈ Chris Jackson ☈ (@ChrisJacksonSC) September 19, 2023
Crash Site Caused Damage to Forested and Agricultural Areas
The day after the incident, the aircraft wreckage was found in a forested area near Hemingway, South Carolina, scattered across a vast area about 1,800 meters long. Besides the dense forest area, the crash also damaged cotton and soybean fields. While the crash caused material damage to private property, there were no injuries.
EXCLUSIVE: Here are the first pictures of the alleged crash site of the F 35 US fighter jet. pic.twitter.com/YyL6nqvOgE
— 𝕏 (@AlertChannel) September 19, 2023
Automated Systems Played a Key Role; No Criminal Charges Recommended
Authorities stated that the automated flight control systems played a crucial role in the F-35’s autonomous flight. Despite malfunctions in the aircraft’s main systems, backup systems engaged to sustain flight. Following the investigation, no criminal charges were recommended in relation to the crash.
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