Key Takeaways:

• An F-35 fighter jet crashed at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska after the pilot ejected safely.
• The incident occurred around 12:49 p.m. local time during a training exercise.
• The pilot experienced an inflight malfunction and was taken to Bassett Army Hospital for evaluation.
• Videos of the crash show dramatic footage of the aircraft spiraling to the ground before exploding.
• The U.S. Air Force has announced a thorough investigation into the incident.

A U.S. Air Force pilot ejected safely before their F-35 fighter jet crashed at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska during a training exercise on Tuesday at approximately 12:49 p.m. The aircraft was approaching landing when the pilot declared an inflight emergency due to an “inflight malfunction.” Colonel Paul Townsend, commander of the 354th Fighter Wing, confirmed that the pilot, whose identity has not been disclosed, was in stable condition after being transported to Bassett Army Hospital for evaluation.

Footage rapidly spread on social media, showing the F-35 in an uncontrolled spin before crashing, resulting in a significant fireball upon impact. The incident, which took place within the base's fenced area, caused extensive damage to the aircraft, prompting officials to announce an investigation aimed at preventing future occurrences. “I can assure you the United States Air Force will conduct a thorough investigation in hopes to minimize the chances of such occurrences from happening again,” said Colonel Townsend, emphasizing the importance of safety for all personnel.

Eielson Air Force Base, located about 25 miles southeast of Fairbanks, is home to 54 F-35 aircraft, a significant upgrade to the facility made in 2016 at a cost exceeding half a billion dollars. This crash marks the latest in a series of F-35 incidents, continuing a troubling trend for the military's advanced fleet, including previous accidents that questioned pilot decisions and aircraft functionality, such as the crash in South Carolina last year.

For more details, visit the original reports from USA Today, Newsweek, and India Times.