An Air Force fighter pilot is in the hospital after an F-35 jet crashed at Eielson Air Force Base in Fairbanks, Alaska.
A statement from the Air Force base reported that the F-35 fighter jet crashed on Tuesday at 12:49 p.m. local time, resulting in significant damage to the aircraft.
The pilot, whose identity remains undisclosed, successfully ejected from the jet and has been taken to Bassett Army Hospital for additional assessment, as indicated in the statement.
The pilot is in stable condition.
Addressing reporters during a press conference, Townsend mentioned that it would be early to make assumptions about the crash’s cause. He pointed out that the pilot was following standard procedures at the time of an in-flight malfunction.
He said the base remains confident in the capabilities of the F-35 aircraft.
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.
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.
