F-35 crashes near Marine Corps base in San Diego
The pilot ejected and is hospitalized in stable condition; causes are under investigation.
An American F-35B fighter jet crashed near Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego on July 31, 2026, causing a small fire and leaving debris from the aircraft smoldering near the base.
The accident occurred at around 10:00 a.m. local time, not far from the main hangars west of Kearny Villa Road. Emergency response teams intervened due to a fire that broke out behind the aircraft, and more than an hour after the crash they were still on site.
Pilot ejected, investigation launched
"The pilot ejected and was transported to a local hospital. He is in stable condition and sustained injuries that are not life-threatening," a base spokesperson said. The statement added that at this time there is no information about more serious injuries.
The aircraft belonged to Marine Aircraft Group 11, part of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing of the Marine Corps. Marine Corps Air Station Miramar is one of the largest U.S. bases where F-35Bs are deployed.
Aerial photos and videos that appeared on social media show burned and smoky wreckage at the crash site. In the meantime, security teams secured the perimeter while investigators began collecting evidence.
The cause of the accident has not been released and is under investigation; investigators will review maintenance, flight data, and eyewitness statements.
Accidents involving aircraft associated with Miramar are not uncommon: notable incidents include a fatal training aircraft crash in 2023, a 2018 helicopter crash that claimed four lives, and a 2008 plane crash in the University City neighborhood that killed three people and destroyed two houses.
Photo: EPA-EFE/VALDA KALNINA
