USAF F-35A Lightning II crashes at Eielson Air Force Base, pilot ejects safely

A Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II of the United States Air Force (USAF) crashed within the perimeter of Eielson Air Force Base (EIL), Alaska, during its approach. The incident occurred on January 28, 2025, at 12:49 p.m. local time.

The aircraft, operated by the 354th Fighter Wing, went down inside the base’s fence line. The pilot successfully ejected and was transported to Bassett Army Hospital for medical evaluation, according to a statement released by the base. Emergency response teams were immediately dispatched to the scene.

“Our people are our most important resource, and we are committed to ensuring their safety and security,” said Colonel Paul Townsend, commander of the 354th Fighter Wing. “I can assure you the United States Air Force will conduct a thorough investigation into this incident to minimize the chances of such occurrences from happening again.”

Footage of the crash shows the fighter spinning toward the ground with its landing gear extended and canopy missing, while the pilot descended safely under a parachute.

Longer Footage of the F-35A Crash earlier today at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska. pic.twitter.com/9OPksbTYWj— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) January 29, 2025 The cause of the crash has not yet been determined, and an investigation is underway. In response, all air movements at the base have been halted due to the temporary closure of its sole runway.

Eielson Air Force Base plays a critical role in North American aerospace defense, given its strategic location within the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), an area frequently traversed by Russian military aircraft. 

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The base also hosts Red Flag–Alaska, a major air combat exercise conducted four times a year, involving hundreds of aircraft from the USAF and allied forces.

Since April 2020, Eielson AFB has been home to F-35A Lightning II fighter jets operated by the 355th and 356th Fighter Squadrons.The post USAF F-35A Lightning II crashes at Eielson Air Force Base, pilot ejects safely appeared first on AeroTime.

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