F-35 Fighter Jet Crash Near Marine Corps Base in San Diego

An F-35 fighter jet crashed near a Marine Corps base in San Diego, igniting a small fire on the scene. The pilot ejected safely and was taken to a medical facility. The cause of the crash is not yet known.

Aerial images display the damaged aircraft in an open field at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. Several vehicles and responders can be seen working at the site. The aircraft’s hatch is visible as open.

“The pilot was part of Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing,” according to a Marine Corps statement. The pilot’s identity has not been revealed.

Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, located 10 miles north of San Diego, serves over 15,000 Marines, sailors, and civilians. It is the headquarters of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. The base has witnessed similar incidents before.

In 2023, another Marine Corps pilot died after ejecting from an F/A-18 Hornet near the base. The aircraft crashed after midnight, and the pilot was later identified as Maj. Andrew Mettler.

F-35s, which cost around $100 million each, are used by the Air Force, Navy, and Marines. Previous crashes have occurred involving these jets. In July 2025, a pilot ejected in Fresno County, California, with a grass fire resulting from the crash. The pilot was safely recovered.

In January 2025, during a training mission in Alaska, an Air Force pilot faced an “in-flight emergency.” The F-35 twirled before exploding on impact. Fortunately, the pilot ejected and landed safely.

Another incident in 2024 involved a Marine Corps pilot who ejected during a rainstorm due to technical issues. After flying for about 11 minutes, the jet crashed, damaging private land. The pilot safely landed in a driveway and alerted authorities.

An investigation into the 2024 incident found the pilot’s ejection was improper.