F-35 Fighter Jet Crash Near Marine Corps Base in San Diego

An F-35 fighter jet crashed near the Marine Corps base in San Diego, causing a small fire. The incident occurred on Friday and involved a pilot who ejected safely, according to a Marine Corps spokesperson. The pilot has been transported to a medical facility, although the specific cause of the crash remains unknown.

Aerial photographs captured the smoking jet in an open field at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. Images showed emergency vehicles and responders actively working on the site of the crash. The plane’s hatch appeared open as crews tackled the blaze.

Footage from KFMB-TV’s helicopter depicted responders using fire retardant to extinguish the flames, as verified by CBS News through social media videos showing a plume of black smoke rising from the aircraft.

The pilot’s identity has not yet been disclosed. According to the Marine Corps, the pilot is part of Marine Aircraft Group 11 within the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. The base, located about 10 miles north of San Diego, houses over 15,000 Marines, sailors, and civilians, serving as the headquarters for the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.

Historically, the area experienced a fatal incident in 2023 when a Marine Corps pilot died after ejecting from an F/A-18 Hornet. This crash occurred on government land near the base, leading to the pilot’s discovery after a thorough search by the U.S. Coast Guard and San Diego Fire-Rescue Department. The deceased pilot was identified as Maj. Andrew Mettler.

The F-35 jets, each valued at around $100 million, are utilized by the Air Force, Navy, and Marines. Several crashes involving these aircraft have received significant attention over recent years.

Previous instances included the safe recovery of a pilot who ejected from his jet in Fresno County, California, in July 2025, causing a minor grass fire. Additionally, an Air Force pilot in January 2025 encountered an ‘in-flight emergency’ during a training mission at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. Video footage showed the craft spiraling down before exploding, yet the pilot managed to eject safely.

Another event in 2024 involved an F-35 with technical malfunctions during adverse weather conditions. The pilot ejected as the plane flew on for over 11 minutes, traveling about 70 miles before crashing on private property. Though the pilot landed safely, he faced criticism for his decision to eject, with the crash site located one day later.