US Navy F-35 fighter jet crashes in California near Naval Air Station Lemoore | VIDEO

A US Navy F-35 fighter jet crashed in California on Wednesday (Jul 30), said the Navy in a press statement. The pilot ejected safely, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash, which happened around 6:30 pm. The incident happened near Naval Air Station Lemoore, which is located about 40 miles (64 kilometres) southwest of the city of Fresno in central California, the statement added.

The Navy said that the jet was assigned to the Strike Fighter Squadron VF-125, also known as “Rough Raiders,” which functions as a Fleet Replacement Squadron and is responsible for training pilots and aircrew.

The crash was captured on video, which has been widely circulating on social media. In the clip, the wreckage of the jet can be seen ablaze in an open farmland as thick smoke billows.

Local emergency medical services and Cal Fire responded to the scene and helped the pilot who ejected, according to a statement released by the Fresno County sheriff’s Office.

Earlier in January, an Air Force F-35A crashed at Alaska’s Eielson Air Force Base during a training mission. The pilot of the jet managed to eject safely in the incident.

The F-35C, which was involved in the crash, is one of the three variants of the F-35 Lightning II. The aircraft is designed for use on US aircraft carriers and has a cost of about $100 million. The fifth-generation fighter jet is an integral part of the US military’s fleet and is regarded as one of the most advanced warplanes in the world for its stealth and combat capabilities. The fighter jet is manufactured by Lockheed Martin. According to the company, over 17 countries are part of the F-35 program. However, in recent years, the jet has faced increased scrutiny over issues regarding maintenance and readiness.