An F-35 fighter jet valued at about $100 million remained airborne and pilotless for over 11 minutes after the pilot ejected, ultimately crashing in a rural South Carolina area last year, a Marine Corps investigation determined.
In September 2023, an F-35 pilot ejected during adverse flying conditions, mistakenly diagnosing an unmanageable flight scenario, only to have the jet fly autonomously before crashing, as reported by military officials, CBS News reported.
The pilot ejected from the aircraft on September 17, 2023, amid a heavy rainstorm, after encountering several malfunctions in the electrical system and aircraft displays. Believing the fighter jet to be out of control, the decision to eject was deemed "inappropriate" by investigators, concluding that the aircraft was still in a flyable state at the time.
After the ejection, the unmanned F-35 continued its flight for a distance of approximately 70 miles. This unforeseen episode lasted precisely 11 minutes and 21 seconds, driven by the jet's advanced automatic flight-control systems which kept it airborne despite the absence of its pilot.
The errant aircraft finally came to rest after navigating through challenging weather conditions and technical failures, ending its rogue journey by crashing through a dense forest near Hemmingway, South Carolina. The following day, military personnel were able to locate the crash site in this secluded area.
Further details from the investigation noted that the pilot endured an "electrical event" that caused the malfunction of the radio systems, transponder, and both the tactical air navigation and instrument landing systems. Despite these challenges, backup systems activated, maintaining the aircraft’s basic operability.
After deciding to eject, the pilot landed in a residential driveway and sought assistance by knocking on a homeowner's door to report the aircraft as missing. Amidst this chaos, the F-35’s onboard systems demonstrated resilience, steering the jet for several minutes longer than one might expect in such scenarios.
Military officials highlighted the robustness of the F-35’s design, which allows for such an extended duration of automated flight, showcasing both the strength and complexity of the high-tech aircraft in emergency situations.
The investigation revealed that after carving a path through the dense woodland, the jet's wreckage spread across an expansive debris field measuring about 1,800 feet in length and up to 300 feet wide. Fortunately, despite the significant damage to the forested landscape and surrounding cotton and soybean fields, no injuries were reported on the ground.
Photos from the site showed how the aircraft, conceivably off course, mangled with nature, with portions of its landing gear even embedded in a tree trunk. These images come from the Marine Corps report that documented the detailed evidence of the incident's root causes and effects.
The F-35's stealth characteristics also played a role, as the broken transponder, compounded by the aircraft’s low-observable technology, caused some delay in tracking its flight path post-ejection, initially leading to confusion regarding its whereabouts.
While the substantial monetary loss and property damage from the crash is regrettable, this incident did not prompt any recommendations for punitive actions against the pilot. Instead, it likely initiated reviews of operational and emergency protocols concerning advanced fighter jet maneuvers and mechanical reliability under stress.
This case study may serve as a blueprint for addressing potential technological and procedural improvements in the F-35 program. Ensuring that future operations can mitigate similar risks will be paramount to safeguarding both military personnel and civilians alike.
As investigators close this case, questions about the integration of automatic control systems and their implications for flight safety continue to stir debate within aerospace and military communities. Such incidents serve as crucial learning points for the evolution of both human and machine roles in modern airborne defense assets.
