Marine Corps says F-35B stealth fighter crashed in California, pilot ejected

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Marine Corps says an F-35B jet crashed near a Southern California air base, and the pilot has been taken to a medical facility.

The jet went down Friday afternoon near the Miramar Air Base in San Diego. A statement from the U.S. Marines called the incident a “Class A mishap.” That's the most severe mishap category and one that is used when the damage totals more than $2 million, the destruction of a military aircraft, or service member death.

The statement did not include any details about the condition of the pilot, other than to say they ejected, were recovered and were being taken to a medical facility.

Aerial video from a news helicopter showed a plume of black smoke rising from the wreckage in a dirt field, with multiple military and firefighting vehicles and people standing nearby. What appeared to be white flame retardant material covered the ground, and at least one person was spraying the wreckage with a fire hose.

Candace Hadley, a spokesperson for San Diego Fire, said firefighters were on scene to respond to a vegetation fire that sparked near the crash site. She referred additional questions to Miramar.

The F-35B is one of several versions of the advanced stealth fighter jet that is flown by the Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force. The “B” version has an engine that is designed for short takeoffs and is capable of vertical landings.