On September 17, 2023, an F-35B Lightning II, the U.S. Marine Corps’ fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, made headlines after going missing in South Carolina. The pilot safely ejected over rural South Carolina, but the aircraft continued flying pilotless for over 60 miles, ultimately crashing in Williamsburg County.
This unprecedented incident sparked a months-long investigation by the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC), culminating in a report released on October 31, which outlines the series of malfunctions, technical mishaps, and operational missteps that led to the accident. The report’s findings bring fresh attention to the F-35 program, a cutting-edge yet complex aircraft system that has faced numerous technical challenges and high-profile crashes since its debut.
The mishap occurred as the pilot was attempting to execute a climbout during a missed approach in poor weather, a routine maneuver that turned complicated due to heavy precipitation and instrument malfunctions. According to the USMC’s detailed report, the sequence of events leading up to the pilot’s ejection involved multiple failures in the F-35B’s sophisticated avionics, including malfunctions in the helmet-mounted display and the panoramic cockpit display. The resulting electrical issue disrupted key systems such as the transponder and both primary communication radios, making it difficult for the pilot to regain situational awareness.
As a result, the pilot became disoriented, misinterpreting the situation as an out-of-control flight emergency. The decision to eject was found to be a critical error, as backup systems were reportedly still functional. Notably, the report clarifies that the malfunction wasn’t due to maintenance errors, as all maintenance was conducted according to standard protocols.
“The pilot incorrectly diagnosed an out-of-control flight emergency and ejected from a flyable aircraft,” states the report, “albeit during a heavy rainstorm compounded with electrical and display malfunctions.”
The F-35B’s autonomous systems allowed it to continue flying for over 11 minutes before eventually crashing. Although the advanced flight-control systems are designed to stabilize the aircraft, the incident demonstrated that even with advanced technology, human error and technical malfunctions can align to produce unpredictable outcomes.
Factors Contributing to the Crash
The investigation pinpointed several technical and operational factors that led to the pilot’s ejection. Some key factors included:
- Display Malfunctions: The helmet-mounted display and panoramic cockpit display, vital to the pilot’s spatial awareness, were found to be intermittently non-operational, contributing to the pilot’s misinterpretation of the situation.
- Electrical Issues: A critical electrical incident caused failures across multiple navigational and communication systems, including the transponder, tactical air navigation system, and both primary radios. These malfunctions further limited the pilot’s ability to maintain control and communicate with air traffic controllers.
- Weather Conditions: The pilot attempted the maneuver amid heavy precipitation and low visibility, which complicated his assessment of the aircraft’s status and may have contributed to spatial disorientation.
- Unmanned Flight Capability: The F-35B’s advanced flight-control systems allowed the aircraft to stabilize and continue flying without human intervention for over 11 minutes, covering approximately 64 nautical miles before crashing.
The report also suggests that the F-35B’s low-observable, or stealth, technology may have partially contributed to the radar loss that complicated recovery efforts.
The Ejection Decision and Aftermath
Although the pilot’s decision to eject was deemed a misjudgment, the investigation noted that the circumstances were exceptionally challenging, involving multiple system failures and adverse weather. The report emphasizes that the pilot’s training was up-to-date and met Marine Corps standards, noting that the mission was appropriately planned and briefed. However, the pilot’s diagnosis of an “out-of-control” situation ultimately led to an unnecessary ejection.
The incident further emphasizes a core challenge with the F-35 series: its complexity demands extensive training and situational awareness, especially when multiple systems malfunction simultaneously. A contributing factor to this complexity is the aircraft’s reliance on its advanced, integrated systems, which are prone to occasional failures that can be difficult to troubleshoot in high-stress situations.
The F-35 Program: A History of High-Profile Incidents
The F-35 program, developed by Lockheed Martin, represents a massive investment in cutting-edge stealth, avionics, and combat capabilities. Designed with variants for the Air Force (F-35A), Marine Corps (F-35B), and Navy (F-35C), it offers unique capabilities such as short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) for the Marine Corps’ F-35B. However, despite its many advantages, the F-35 has experienced a series of crashes and operational setbacks over the years.
1. 2018 – First Marine Corps F-35B Crash
- The F-35B suffered its first crash near Grays Hill, South Carolina, during a routine training mission. Following this incident, the entire F-35 fleet was grounded temporarily. The cause was attributed to a defective fuel tube, highlighting the need for rigorous supply chain oversight.
2. 2019 – Japan’s F-35A Crash
- A Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-35A crashed during a nighttime training flight over the Pacific, killing the pilot. The investigation attributed the crash to spatial disorientation, a condition that causes pilots to lose awareness of their aircraft’s orientation and altitude.
3. 2020 – Series of US Air Force and Marine Crashes
- In May 2020, an F-35A crashed while landing at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, due to a combination of pilot error and equipment malfunction. In October of the same year, a Marine Corps F-35B collided mid-air with a KC-130J during refueling near California. The F-35B pilot ejected safely, while the KC-130J managed to make an emergency landing.
4. 2021-2022 – F-35 Crashes in the UK, South China Sea, and South Korea
- A British F-35B crashed in the Mediterranean during a routine operation off the HMS Queen Elizabeth. In January 2022, a South Korean F-35A made an emergency “belly landing” after its landing gear failed. Additionally, a U.S. Navy F-35C suffered a landing incident on the USS Carl Vinson, injuring seven crew members.
5. 2023 – F-35B Crash at Lockheed Martin’s Assembly Line
- A newly built F-35B crashed at Lockheed Martin’s Texas facility, leading to a temporary halt in deliveries. The incident involved a software issue affecting takeoff, raising questions about quality control in manufacturing.
6. 2024 – F-35B Crash Near Albuquerque
- Most recently, in May 2024, an F-35B crashed near Albuquerque, New Mexico. The pilot ejected safely, though sustaining minor injuries. The incident remains under investigation, with preliminary findings suggesting possible pilot error and adverse weather conditions.
The F-35’s Global Reach and Market Popularity
Despite its mishaps, the F-35 has achieved significant market success, with 17 countries operating various versions. The F-35 program is considered a crucial component of modern military capabilities, with allies like Japan, South Korea, and several NATO countries relying on it for defense needs. Lockheed Martin continues to receive substantial orders, even as maintenance and operational costs, averaging approximately $36,000 per flight hour, remain a concern.
The aircraft’s low observability, advanced avionics, and versatility for various combat roles have kept it in demand. While accidents have raised questions, the F-35’s performance in military exercises and missions has largely validated its capabilities, contributing to its sustained popularity in the international defense market.
