Recent High Profile Crash Brings Attention to F-35B Program

A widely shared and watched clip of an F-35B's SNAFU has resulted in a temporary halt to flight operations as the F-35 Joint Program Office investigates the mishap. 

The crash was an odd one, catching the attention of many as yet another apparent misstep in a highly expensive fighter program. The aircraft, landing at the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, ended its flight with a slow, seemingly languid crash that caught the attention of legions of untrained civilian eyes. 

While its overall flight record isn't quite as bad as it may appear, a recent string of embarrassments - like the 2 recent occasions where F-35s went for an oceanic swim - have served to tarnish the F-35 in the public eye like never before. The JPO seems to be taking this mishap seriously, possibly lending credence to the theory that the landing crash was caused by software issues instead of pilot error.  

“The F-35 Joint Program Office has issued a Time Compliance Technical Directive (TCTD) to restrict some aircraft, which have been evaluated to be of higher risk, from flight operations while the investigation into the mishap on December 15 continues and until procedures can be developed for their return to flight,” the JPO said. “The affected aircraft have been identified, and the JPO will work with services and partners to ensure compliance with the TCTD.”

The F-35B should be grounded until well into January at the earliest, with a return to flight status coming sometime after the investigation gains headway. The Office was careful to clarify that the pause was based on an interest in eminent safety standards, appearing to press the impression that the decision isn't one of any immediate danger. It's interesting to note, however, that the F-35B wasn't the only one grounded, since the Directive included all 3 models of the Lightning fighter.

FMI: www.jsf.mil