An F-35 fighter jet crashed close to the Marine Corps base in San Diego on a recent Friday, igniting a small fire. According to a Marine Corps spokesperson, the pilot managed to eject from the aircraft and was subsequently recovered. The pilot is being transported to a medical facility for evaluation.
Initial images from the scene reveal the aircraft smoldering on the ground in what appears to be an open field at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. Several vehicles and emergency responders are visible, and the aircraft’s hatch seems to be open. Footage from CBS affiliate KFMB-TV’s helicopter shows responders attempting to extinguish the fire. CBS News’ Confirmed team validated social media videos depicting a plume of black smoke rising from the jet while responders applied fire retardant.
The pilot’s identity has not yet been disclosed. The Marine Corps confirmed that the pilot was part of Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. Following the incident, crews were actively working at the site at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, located around 10 miles north of San Diego. The base houses over 15,000 Marines, sailors, and civilians and serves as the headquarters for the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.
This is not the first occurrence of such incidents at the base. In 2023, a Marine Corps pilot died after ejecting from an F/A-18 Hornet near the base. The crash happened on government property shortly before midnight. Despite a lengthy search by the U.S. Coast Guard and San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, the pilot, identified as Maj. Andrew Mettler, was found deceased.
The F-35 jets, used by the Air Force, Navy, and Marines, each cost approximately $100 million. Several accidents involving these planes have occurred over the past few years. In July 2025, a pilot ejected from his jet in Fresno County, California, resulting in a minor grass fire. Despite the crash, the pilot emerged safely.
Earlier in January 2025, an Air Force pilot faced an “in-flight emergency” during a training exercise at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska. The jet was seen spiraling toward the ground before exploding upon impact, but the pilot safely ejected. Another incident in 2024 involved a Marine Corps pilot who ejected from an F-35 amid technical issues during a storm. The plane flew autonomously for over 11 minutes, eventually crashing and damaging private property. The investigation concluded the pilot had ejected improperly.
Various factors contribute to such incidents, but safety measures and quick response by emergency teams often ensure minimal harm to personnel.