F-35C Fighter Jet Gear Collapses During Top Gun Training at Naval Air Station Fallon

Defense News ,U.S :-  In January, an incident unfolded at a Nevada Navy installation involving a Marine fighter jet participating in Top Gun training. The F-35C Lightning II, assigned to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing’s Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 311, experienced a nose landing gear collapse while parked at Naval Air Station Fallon on Jan. 26.

Confirmation of the incident was provided to Marine Corps Times by Marine spokesman Capt. Stephanie Leguizamon via email on Tuesday. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries, and the aircraft is slated to return to service after undergoing necessary repairs, according to Leguizamon.

Naval Air Station Fallon, renowned for its association with Top Gun, is home to the prestigious Navy Fighter Weapons School, where advanced air combat maneuvering tactics and techniques are imparted.

The mishap occurred post a routine training mission in support of the U.S. Navy’s Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor program. Images of the jet with its nose on the ground circulated on social media platforms in February, with The Aviationist being the first to report on the incident.