On January 28, 2025, an F-35A Lightning II fighter jet crashed at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska during a routine training mission. The incident occurred at approximately 12:49 p.m. local time as the aircraft was preparing to land. The pilot safely ejected and was transported to Bassett Army Hospital for evaluation, later being released in stable condition.
Dramatic footage of the crash circulated on social media, showing the jet spiraling with its landing gear extended before impacting the ground and erupting into a fireball. The 354th Fighter Wing confirmed that the pilot declared an in-flight emergency due to a malfunction before ejecting.
This incident marks the third F-35 crash within a year, raising concerns about the aircraft’s safety and reliability. Previous crashes include an F-35B that crashed near Albuquerque, New Mexico, in May 2024 during a test flight, and another F-35A that crashed at Hill Air Force Base in Utah in October 2022 due to a software glitch during turbulence.
Investigations into these incidents have highlighted various issues, including pilot error, software malfunctions, and mechanical failures. For instance, the crash at Hill Air Force Base was attributed to turbulent air confusing the jet’s avionics, rendering it uncontrollable.
Despite these concerns, the F-35 program continues to be a central component of the U.S. military’s tactical aviation strategy. With over 1,000 units delivered, the F-35 remains a critical asset, although its high cost and recent incidents have sparked debates over its long-term viability and safety.
The U.S. Air Force has launched a thorough investigation into the Alaska crash to determine the cause and implement measures to prevent future occurrences. As the investigation progresses, the incident underscores the importance of addressing the F-35’s technical challenges to ensure the safety of its pilots and the effectiveness of the fleet.
