The search for a missing F-35 stealth fighter jet has transitioned into a recovery operation as authorities located a debris field in South Carolina on Tuesday. This marked the culmination of an unusual incident that garnered global attention.
The discovery followed a plea to the public for assistance in locating the aircraft, which had occurred after the pilot ejected due to a “mishap” and left the jet on autopilot. An investigation will now seek to uncover the details of the incident, leading to the grounding of Marine Corps aircraft in its aftermath.
Residents of Williamsburg County were advised on Monday night to steer clear of the area where the debris field was located while a recovery team secured the site.
The debris was found approximately two hours northeast of Joint Base Charleston in North Charleston. The base had gained international notoriety on Sunday when it issued a social media appeal for “any information” that could aid in locating the F-35B Lightning II fighter jet, which comes with a hefty price tag of around $80 million.
Joint Base Charleston had been collaborating with Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort to “locate an F-35 that was involved in a mishap” on Sunday afternoon. Fortunately, the pilot successfully ejected and was transported to a medical center, where they remained in stable condition as of Monday, according to a Joint Base Charleston spokesperson.
Details regarding the nature of the “mishap” that prompted the pilot to eject remain unclear. On Monday, Joint Base Charleston shared on Facebook that the incident was under investigation and that they were “unable to provide additional details to preserve the integrity of the investigative process.”
Notably, the jet was left in autopilot when the pilot ejected, as Jeremy Huggins, a Joint Base Charleston spokesman, mentioned on Monday. There was a concern that the aircraft could have continued flying for an extended period. Nevertheless, two defense officials confirmed on Monday that the jet lacked the range and capability for prolonged flight without refueling.
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In response to the incident, Gen. Eric Smith, the acting commandant of the Marines, issued an order grounding all Marine Corps aircraft, both within and outside the United States, on Monday. Some Marine aircraft deployed abroad or with upcoming missions managed to delay this order briefly, but they are expected to stand down for two days during the week. The Pentagon explained that this suspension would allow units to “discuss aviation safety matters and best practices.”
The statement elaborated, “During the safety stand down, aviation commanders will lead discussions with their Marines focusing on the fundamentals of safe flight operations, ground safety, maintenance and flight procedures, and maintaining combat readiness.”
