Pilot Reportedly Ejected From The Aircraft Before Impact

An F-35B has gone down near Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in South Carolina, military officials have confirmed.

In a message posted to Twitter, the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office said "The pilot from the military plane crash safely ejected. Being evaluated for injuries."

The BCSO later said in a news release "The pilot in this morning's military plane crash on Little Barnwell Island safely ejected and was rescued by responding emergency services personnel. The pilot was transported to a medical facility for evaluation. There were no other injuries reported. The scene of the crash is secured. Residents and guests are asked to temporarily avoid Little Barnwell Island and the Grays Hill Boat Landing, while emergency services personnel assess the area for safety. Questions regarding the type of aircraft involved in the crash and the condition of the pilot should be referred to the military.

The Marine Corps Times reports that the base is the home for the Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501, and training for new F-35 pilots is conducted there. But Defense News indicates that there have been issues with spare parts and logistics related to the jet.

Some airplanes are on the ground for long periods of time due to delivery delays for parts ordered through the Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS). Defense News reported that some deliveries are scheduled as much as two years in the future.

The accident is the first to involve an F-35 Lightning II aircraft, though there have been other issues with the airplane, including engine fires and malfunctioning equipment.

The accident occurred just before noon on Friday. On Thursday, an F-35B was involved in the first combat mission for the aircraft against targets in Afghanistan.

(Image from file)

FMI: Source report, Source report