F-35B Jet Crashes Near Albuquerque International Sunport, Pilot Injured

An F-35B jet crashed near Albuquerque International Sunport, injuring the pilot who ejected safely. The incident is under investigation.

An F-35B jet crashed on Tuesday near Albuquerque International Sunport, resulting in injuries to the pilot, who safely ejected from the aircraft. The crash happened at approximately 1:50 p.m., shortly after the jet had refueled at Kirtland Air Force Base.

The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, was immediately transported to the University of New Mexico hospital. Authorities report that the pilot is in stable condition. The city's fire department and military officials confirmed these details.

The F-35B, a highly advanced military aircraft valued at $135 million, had taken off from Runway 21 at Albuquerque International Sunport. The jet was on a flight from a Lockheed Martin facility at the Naval Air Reserve Station in Fort Worth, Texas, to Edwards Air Force Base in California when the accident occurred.

Photos from the crash site show the remains of the aircraft burning in a field near a road. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation by military and aviation authorities.

This incident follows a similar event on September 17, 2023, involving a U.S. Marine Corps F-35B in South Carolina. In that case, the pilot ejected due to a malfunction, and the aircraft continued to fly for about 60 miles before crashing in a field near Indiantown, South Carolina.

The F-35B is renowned for its advanced stealth capabilities, speed, and agility, making it a critical asset in modern military operations. However, these recent incidents underscore the inherent risks and challenges in operating such complex and sophisticated aircraft.