An F-35 assigned to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing crashed Friday morning at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, prompting an emergency response and igniting a brush fire. The pilot ejected from the aircraft and was recovered.
The incident occurred around 10 a.m. local time on the flight line, involving an F-35B assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 11, according to a base spokesperson. The aircraft was based at MCAS Miramar.
The crash sparked a fire in a field just north of State Route 52, which was visible from the freeway. Video footage showed the aircraft in two pieces within a large scorched area. The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department assisted with the brush fire, but the military retains jurisdiction over the incident.
Information regarding the purpose of the flight, whether the aircraft was departing or arriving, or if there were any injuries or fatalities, was not immediately available. Officials stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.