The current crash of an F-35 fighter jet at an airbase in Alaska has raised severe questions concerning the reliability of the plane. The incident befell on January 28, when an F-35A Lightning II fighter jet crashed at Eielson Air Pressure Base in Fairbanks.
A video of the incident, which went viral on social media, exhibits the jet spiraling towards the runway earlier than erupting in flames, whereas the pilot parachutes safely to the bottom.
F-35 crash in Alaska August 28, 2025
Pilot’s Mid-Air Troubleshooting Efforts
Whereas making an attempt to repair the malfunction within the air, the pilot discovered that the plane was responding as if it had been already on the bottom. To unravel this downside, he contacted 5 Lockheed Martin engineers on a 50-minute name whereas circling close to the bottom. The pilot additionally tried two “touch-and-go” landings to repair the jammed ahead gear, however each makes an attempt failed and the touchdown gear locked utterly. The jet’s sensors continued to register it on the bottom, inflicting the airplane to spin uncontrolled and forcing the pilot to eject.
Hydraulic System Failure Recognized as Trigger
US Air Pressure investigations revealed that water contamination within the hydraulic techniques of the nostril and predominant touchdown gear prevented correct deployment, in the end inflicting the crash. The official report highlights not solely technical flaws but in addition flaws in decision-making and program administration. Just some days later, an identical malfunction involving hydraulic icing was additionally reported on the identical base.
Sequence of Crashes in US
Lockheed Martin’s F-35 program has lengthy been beneath scrutiny for its excessive value and alleged compromises in manufacturing requirements. Previously two years, there have been at the least three F-35 crashes within the US, one in Alaska in January 2025, one other in California in July 2025 and a 3rd in New Mexico in 2024. In all instances, the pilots ejected safely, however every incident has fueled criticism of the jet’s reliability.
F-35 Jet Kerala Incident
These issues should not restricted to the US. In June 2025, a British Royal Navy F-35B plane made an emergency touchdown at Thiruvananthapuram Worldwide Airport in Kerala on account of a suspected hydraulic system malfunction and low gasoline. The plane remained in India for nearly a month earlier than being allowed to fly after profitable repairs and security checks.
What’s the F-35 Fighter Jet?
The F-35 is a multirole fighter plane designed for each air superiority and strike missions. It additionally has digital warfare and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. It has brief take-off and vertical touchdown (STOVL) capabilities, enabling it to function from plane carriers and in difficult, resource-limited environments.