An F-35 fighter jet burst into flames after it crashed near New Mexico’s Albuquerque International Sunport.
One person reported the crash and shared photos while sitting on a runway in Albuquerque.
“I just witnessed a major, horrific aircraft crash with an explosion and dust rising into the air while I’m on my flight on the runway,” they wrote on X. “I will report on it soon, waiting for more details but the person behind me said it was possible it was a helicopter or some type of single engine aircraft but it was hard to tell.”
Later in the day, Clash Report shared more information on the matter, noting that it was an F-35 fighter get that went down while taking off.
F-35 Jet Crashes Near Albuquerque International Sunport
Thankfully, according to KOB4, the pilot was ejected before the A-35 jet crashed and is now recovering at UNM Hospital.
Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR) responded to the scene of the crash but required further assistance from Bernalillo County firefighters as well as the Kirtland Air Force Base.
“We carry 500 gallons of water on our apparatus and small foam tanks, but it’s no match for a jet fuel fire of that scope,” said Lt. Jason Fejer of AFR.
Authorities are still investigating the crash.
Also according to The Aviationist, this is not the first F-35 crash in recent years.
“The most recent crash of a U.S. F-35 occurred on Sept. 17, 2023, when a U.S. Marine Corps F-35B crashed in South Carolina after the pilot ejected due to a malfunction,” the outlet reported. “The aircraft continued flying for about 60 miles before crashing in a field near Indiantown, South Carolina. The incident led to a day-long search for the wreckage, which was eventually found in a field.”
Additionally, “Previously, on Dec. 15, 2022, an F-35B crashed during a vertical landing at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth in Texas,” The Aviationist stated. “The F-35B involved in that crash was Lockheed-owned (hence not yet delivered to/accepted by the final customer).”
As a result, many individuals called out the apparent dangers of F-35s.
“I’ve read a lot of opinions that the F-35 is a problematic project,” one person wrote on X. “I think more will be added to these.”
“lets be honest. F35 just sucks. F16 and F22 are better,” another person stated.