F-35 fighter jet crashes at air base in Fairbanks, Alaska
An F-35 fighter jet crashed at Eielson Air Force Base in Fairbanks, Alaska. Officials confirmed the pilot was uninjured. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
An Air Force fighter pilot is in the hospital after an F-35 jet crashed at Eielson Air Force Base in Fairbanks, Alaska, dramatic video shows.
The F-35 fighter jet crashed Tuesday at 12:49 p.m. local time, causing "significant aircraft damage," according to a statement from the Air Force base.
The pilot, who has not yet been identified, safely ejected and has been transported to Bassett Army Hospital for further evaluation, according to the statement.
The pilot is in stable condition.
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![An F-35 fighter jet spirals toward the ground.](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2025/01/1200/675/figher-jet-crashing-1.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
An F-35 fighter jet spirals toward the ground at Eielson Air Force Base in Fairbanks, Alaska. Officials confirmed the pilot was uninjured.
![An F-35 fighter jet hits the ground and explodes.](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2025/01/1200/675/figher-jet-explosion.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
The jet hit the ground and exploded. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
"Our people are our most important resource, and we are committed [to] ensuring their safety and security," said Col. Paul Townsend, commander of the 354th Fighter Wing.
Townsend added the base will work to prevent similar incidents in the future.
"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," he said.
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During a press conference, Townsend told reporters it would be "premature" to speculate on the cause of the crash, but noted the pilot was executing standard procedures when they experienced an "in-flight malfunction."
He said the base remains confident in the capabilities of the F-35 aircraft.
![US Air Force F-35 fighter jet performs](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2025/01/1200/675/us-air-force-f-35-fighter-jet-performs-during-the-2024.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
An F-35 fighter jet in flight. An Air Force fighter jet crashed Tuesday in Fairbanks, Alaska. The jet is estimated to cost around $80 million. (Andrej Tarfila/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
The jet was participating in a local training event when they declared an in-flight emergency, Townsend confirmed.
The impact site is "known to be" on base within the fence line, according to officials.
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The base cautioned locals near the base that stopping "impedes recovery efforts" and federal law prohibits photography along the highway.
A base spokesperson told Fox News Digital they are working on gathering more information and the investigation remains active.
The F-35 fighter jet is estimated to cost around $80 million, according to Air & Space Forces Magazine.