F-35B Crashes and Burns at MCAS Miramar

A Marine Corps F-35B went down near the runway at Miramar Friday morning, breaking apart and catching fire. Pilot status remains unknown.

By The Defense Desk

A F-35B crashed near the runway at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar north of San Diego at around 10AM local time Friday, breaking into two major pieces and burning. [1]

Emergency crews responded to heavy smoke around 10 a.m. The cause is under investigation, and the status of the pilot remains unclear. [1]

MCAS Miramar is a master tactical jet base for the Marine Corps and also hosts USMC helicopters and KC-130J tankers. [1]

Crash investigations at major tactical installations tend to raise questions that reach well beyond the airframe itself — touching on maintenance cycles, training tempo, and the broader demands placed on frontline squadrons.

No official statement from MCAS Miramar had been issued at time of writing. Further details are expected as the investigation opens. [1]

An F-35 caught fire after a mishap at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego on Friday morning. Emergency crews responded to heavy smoke around 10 a.m. Cause under investigation.FOX 5