Incident Overview
A U.S. Air Force F-35A crashed at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska on Tuesday afternoon, as reported by base officials. The pilot successfully ejected and was transported to Bassett Army Hospital for evaluation, where they were found to be in stable condition.
The crash occurred at 12:49 p.m. local time, near the base’s airfield and within its fenced area. Eyewitness videos shared on social media captured the jet in free fall with its landing gear deployed just before impact, with the pilot parachuting to safety. The aircraft exploded upon collision with the ground and is likely considered a total loss.
Cause of the Crash
While details surrounding the cause of the incident remain unclear, Air Force Col. Paul Townsend, commander of the 354th Fighter Wing at Eielson, stated that it is „premature to speculate” about the factors leading to the crash. He confirmed that the pilot was executing standard procedures during a “landing phase” after conducting a “local training event” when an in-flight malfunction prompted the declaration of an emergency.
Background on Eielson AFB and the F-35 Program
Eielson Air Force Base is located in interior Alaska, approximately 20 miles southeast of Fairbanks, and hosts the 354th Fighter Wing, known as “the northernmost fighter wing in the world.” The base received its first F-35s in 2020.
Russ Goemaere, spokesperson for the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO), stated that the JPO will assist the Air Force in investigating the mishap, emphasizing a commitment to ensuring the safety of personnel.
Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the F-35, also expressed awareness of the incident and reiterated its prioritization of safety, offering support to the U.S. Air Force as necessary.
Recent History and Investigation
The crash at Eielson marks the second incident involving the F-35 within a year. In May 2024, a short takeoff and vertical landing F-35B developmental test jet crashed into a hillside in Albuquerque, New Mexico, although the pilot ejected safely in that instance as well.
A thorough investigation into the Eielson crash will be conducted, with findings potentially taking months to be released. Col. Townsend expressed confidence in the F-35 platform, affirming, “I have full faith in the capabilities of the F-35A,” and noted that the investigation will aim to uncover any factors contributing to the incident.
