A viral video has emerged online showing the F-35 B stealth fighter jet crashing in the Imperial County, California. The F-35 B jet seems to have crashed after a mid-air collision with a KC-130J refueling tanker on Tuesday afternoon.
According to USNI News, A Marine Corps Lockheed Martin F-35 B stealth fighter jet crashed into the California desert, at around 4 p.m. PT Tuesday while attempting an aerial refueling mission with a Lockheed Martin KC-130J refueling tanker. The statement reads, “it was reported that an F-35 B made contact with a KC-130 J during an air-to-air refueling evolution, resulting in the crash of the F-35 B.”
The F-35 B fighter jet pilot was able to eject safely and reportedly the KC-130J refueling tanker was able to carry out a safe landing. The pilot of the F-35 jet is now being treated for his injuries.
Video of F-35 B jet crashing in Imperial County, California
BREAKING: Video has surfaced online of what is allegedly the F-35 B stealth fighter jet crashing into the #California desert after a mid-air collision with a KC-130J refueling tanker on Tuesday afternoon – #crash pic.twitter.com/JDzRGnZYxp
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) September 30, 2020
USMC’s full and official statement on stealth fighter jet’s crash
At approximately 1600 it was reported that an F-35B made contact with a KC-130J during an air-to-air refueling evolution, resulting in the crash of the F-35 B. The pilot of the F-35 B ejected successfully and is currently being treated.
The KC-130J is on deck in the vicinity of Thermal Airport. All crew members of the KC-130J have been reported safe.
The official cause of the crash is currently under investigation. Updates will be provided as information becomes available.
KC-130J crash photo
The refueling tanker landed safely near a field, according to images posted on Twitter. Here’s one of the image:
Social media reacts to the crash
One user tweeted, “Where do you plan on crashing this time? The fields in Thermal, CA are kinda full of KC-130 parts at the moment. Might wanna pick somewhere other than there.”
Another user is happy to know that pilot is alive, “A #USMC F35-B fighter jet collided with a KC-130 refueling tanker, and boy oh boy are they lucky to all be alive. $LMT”
One more Twitter user praises the skills of the pilit, “Unbelievable flying skills to land the KC-130J in a field, having lost 2 engines and losing a lot of fuel.”
