Series of F-35 crashes raise ongoing safety concerns

The recent crash of a U.S. Navy F-35 fighter jet near Lemoore Naval Air Station in California has once again drawn attention to the series of accidents involving the stealth aircraft since 2018. Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, the F-35 has been subject to scrutiny due to recurring issues related to reliability and maintenance.

According to compiled data, more than ten major accidents involving F-35 aircraft have occurred globally in the past seven years, affecting various variants and operators.

September 28, 2018 – United States

An F-35B belonging to the U.S. Marine Corps crashed off the coast of South Carolina during a training flight. The pilot safely ejected. The incident was attributed to a ruptured fuel tube, identified later as a manufacturing defect.

April 9, 2019 – Japan

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-35A disappeared during a training exercise with three other F-35As. The wreckage was later found in the Pacific Ocean off northern Japan. The pilot’s remains were recovered months later.

May 19, 2020 – United States

A U.S. Air Force pilot ejected from an F-35A that crashed during landing at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. The aircraft overturned and caught fire. Investigations found the cause to be excessive landing speed combined with flight control system issues.

September 29, 2020 – United States

An F-35 collided with a KC-130J tanker aircraft during aerial refueling over California. The fighter jet was destroyed after the pilot ejected, while the tanker made an emergency landing in a nearby field.

November 17, 2021 – United Kingdom

An F-35B from the Royal Air Force crashed into the Mediterranean Sea during takeoff from HMS Queen Elizabeth. The pilot safely ejected, and the wreckage was later recovered.

January 4, 2022 – South Korea

A Republic of Korea Air Force F-35A made an emergency landing at Seosan Air Base after colliding with a bird. The aircraft sustained severe damage and was decommissioned. The incident was attributed to a suspected avionics-related landing gear failure.

January 24, 2022 – South China Sea

An F-35 crashed while attempting to land on the USS Carl Vinson. After striking the flight deck and skidding, the aircraft plunged into the sea. Seven sailors were injured, though the pilot safely ejected.

October 19, 2022 – United States

An F-35 crashed while approaching Hill Air Force Base in Utah. The pilot ejected safely, and investigations pointed to a fault in the air data system as the cause of the loss of control.

September 17, 2023 – United States

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35 crashed near Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in South Carolina. The pilot had switched to autopilot mode before ejecting and survived.

May 29, 2024 – United States

An F-35 crashed shortly after takeoff near Albuquerque International Sunport in New Mexico. The pilot, who ejected before impact, sustained serious injuries and was hospitalized.

January 29, 2025 – United States

An F-35 suffered substantial damage in a crash at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska. The pilot was transferred to a military hospital for evaluation. Eyewitness footage showed the jet descending rapidly before exploding on impact.

July 30, 2025 – United States

The most recent incident occurred near Lemoore Naval Air Station in California, where a U.S. Navy F-35 crashed. No further details were immediately available.

Despite being widely adopted by allied air forces, the F-35 program has faced ongoing questions regarding its cost, maintenance needs, and operational reliability. These incidents continue to fuel debate over the jet’s long-term performance and safety record.

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