Debris of an $80m Marine Corps F-35 fighter jet that went missing when its pilot ejected during an “accident” has been found in a South Carolina field after a day-long search .
Officials at Joint Base Charleston confirmed that debris from the jet was located in the Indiantown area of Williamsburg County, TV station WCBD reported.
Joint Base Charleston said the incident involved an F-35B Lightning II jet from Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron (VMFAT) 501 with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.
Officials said in a statement Monday night that the debris was located two hours northeast of Joint Base Charleston.
“Members of the community should avoid the area as the recovery team secures the debris field,” the statement read.
“The accident is currently under investigation, and we cannot provide further details to preserve the integrity of the investigation process. We would like to thank all of our mission partners, as well as local, county, and state authorities, for their dedication and support throughout the search and as we move into the recovery phase.”
The search for the jet began Sunday after its pilot was found on South Kenwood Drive in North Charleston after ejecting safely and was taken to a medical center in stable condition.
FILE – A United States Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II participates in an aerial display during the Singapore Airshow 2022 at the Changi Exhibition Center in Singapore, Feb. 15, 2022.
(AP)
Officials said the jet went off autopilot when the pilot ejected, and although it remained airborne for a while on Monday they were certain it still wouldn’t fly.
All Marine Corps aircraft, both in the US and abroad, were grounded because of the incident, according to an order issued by General Eric Smith, the acting commandant of the Marines.
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Marien aircraft with upcoming missions or overseas were told they could delay the order but had to stop for two days this week, NBC News reported.
During the standdown, the units will “discuss aviation safety matters and best practices”, while Marine Corps leadership will use the time “to ensure that the service continues to standardize the operation of aircraft that combat-ready with well-prepared pilots and crew.”
