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yesterday

Nellis-Based F-35A Crashes on Nevada Training Range, Pilot Ejects With Minor Injuries

A formal Air Force investigation now seeks the cause.

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(Jan. 10, 2025) Lt. Cmdr. Joseph Anderson, of Severna Park, Md., waits for launch in an F-35C Lightning II, assigned to the “Warhawks” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 97, on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Jan. 10, 2025. Vinson, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group ONE, is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nate Jordan)
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A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II, assigned to 6th Weapons Squadron, takes off for a mission in support of Red Flag-Nellis 26-1 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Feb. 12, 2026. Red Flag fosters warrior spirit by creating an environment where Airmen work together, across all domains, to defeat the enemy. (Image credit: U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Shane Milligan)

Overview

  • The F-35A from Nellis that crashed Tuesday, March 31, inside the Nevada Test and Training Range left the pilot with minor injuries after a successful ejection.
  • Base officials said the wreckage sits about 25 miles northeast of Indian Springs on restricted federal land with no impact to populated areas.
  • Local outlets reported the pilot had trouble maneuvering shortly before ejecting, though officials have not identified a cause.
  • Rescue crews recovered the aviator, and an HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter performed the pickup according to aviation and local reports.
  • Investigators have opened a safety board that typically reviews flight data, maintenance logs, and weather to decide any fixes for the fleet.