NEWS
Military Seeks Public’s Help Locating Missing F-35 Jet After ‘Mishap’ in South Carolina
Courtesy of U.S. Navy
Authorities are asking for the public’s help locating a missing F-35B Lightning II fighter jet after the pilot ejected over South Carolina on Sunday due to a “mishap.”
Joint Base Charleston said in a statement Sunday evening that it was working with Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort to locate the missing F-35, from Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, and asked the public to cooperate with military and civilian authorities in their search.
“The pilot ejected safely and was transferred to a local medical center in stable condition,” said Joint Base Charleston, which is located in North Charleston.
Before ejecting, the pilot put the F-35 on autopilot, per reports. By Monday morning there were still no reports of any crash in the area.
“Based on the jet’s last-known position and in coordination with the [Federal Aviation Administration], we are focusing our attention north of JB Charleston, around Lake Moultrie and Lake Marion,” Joint Base Charleston said.
“How in the hell do you lose an F-35?” Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) posted on X, formerly Twitter. “How is there not a tracking device and we’re asking the public to what, find a jet and turn it in?”
The F-35 should be equipped with a transponder to track its location, but it’s unclear why it wasn’t working. The circumstances of the “mishap” that prompted the pilot to eject remained unclear.
Officials are asking anyone with information of the jet’s location to contact the Base Defense Operations Center at 843-963-3600.
TMX contributed to this article.
