F-35 Mystery: A Missing Fighter Jet in South Carolina Raises Concerns

Missing F-35 Fighter Jet Sparks Concerns in South Carolina

September 18, 2023

By Bill Chappell

In an unexpected turn of events, an F-35B Lightning II fighter jet has gone missing after the pilot safely ejected near Charleston, South Carolina. This incident, which took place on Sunday, has prompted a search operation by the U.S. military, along with the Navy, the FAA, and Civil Air Patrol, as well as local and state police agencies. The public has been urged to provide any information that may help in locating the advanced fighter jet.

A Mysterious Disappearance

The F-35B Lightning II, belonging to Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501, is based at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort and is primarily used for pilot training and airshow demonstrations. The jet has the ability to hover in the air and land in very small spaces compared to traditional fighter jets.

The exact cause of the incident and the reason behind the pilot abandoning the aircraft are still unknown. The Marine Corps has not provided details about the status of the jet’s transponder or its armaments. The pilot, who safely ejected, is in stable condition and is currently under medical care.

Search and Recovery Efforts

Joint Base Charleston, in coordination with the FAA, has focused their attention on the area north of JB Charleston, specifically around Lake Moultrie and Lake Marion. These two lakes, located between Charleston and Columbia, are believed to be the last-known position of the aircraft. The military believes that the jet did not continue flying for long after the pilot ejected.

As of the latest update, search-and-recovery efforts are ongoing, with multiple agencies collaborating to locate the missing fighter jet. The mishap is currently under investigation, and the Marine Corps has refrained from providing additional details to maintain the integrity of the investigation.

Past Incidents and Concerns

This incident comes five years after another Marine Corps F-35B crashed in South Carolina in 2018. The cause of that crash was determined to be a faulty fuel tube, leading to an inspection of the entire F-35 fleet owned by the U.S. and its allies. In 2022, an Air Force F-35A crashed in Utah due to confusion caused by wake turbulence from another F-35A, and in 2019, a Japanese-operated F-35A crashed due to pilot error.

These incidents raise concerns about the safety and reliability of the F-35, which has faced criticism and controversy throughout its development. With a current estimated cost of $80 million per jet, the F-35 program has experienced significant cost overruns and delays over the past two decades.

Editorial: Questions of Reliability and Accountability

The latest incident involving the missing F-35 fighter jet in South Carolina highlights ongoing concerns about the reliability and accountability of one of the world’s most advanced fighter aircraft. The fact that a pilot safely ejected but the jet remains missing is deeply troubling.

It is essential to thoroughly investigate the cause of the incident and determine whether any systemic issues within the F-35 program contributed to this mishap. The safety of our military personnel and the effective functioning of our defense systems depend on it.

Furthermore, the recurring incidents involving the F-35, including the 2018 crash in South Carolina and the recent crashes in Utah and Japan, call into question the overall reliability and durability of the aircraft. A comprehensive review of the F-35 program and its ongoing maintenance and inspection procedures is urgently needed to ensure the safety and effectiveness of these fighter jets.

Advice: Prioritizing Safety and Accountability

In light of these incidents, it is imperative that the Department of Defense and the military as a whole prioritize safety and accountability. Thorough inspections, regular maintenance, and continuous training and supervision of the pilots are crucial to prevent such mishaps in the future.

Transparency and open communication regarding the progress of investigations into these incidents are equally important. The public and those serving in the military have a right to know the causes behind these crashes and the steps being taken to improve the reliability and safety of the F-35 fighter jets.

Ultimately, safeguarding the lives of our military personnel and ensuring the effectiveness of our defense capabilities should be paramount. Only through a commitment to safety, accountability, and ongoing improvement can we address the concerns surrounding the F-35 program and maintain the trust of our armed forces and the public.