A South Carolina military airbase has issued an urgent appeal to the public for assistance locating a missing Marine Corps fighter aircraft after its pilot was forced to eject from it on Sunday afternoon.
The incident has prompted Marine Corps investigators to launch a comprehensive inquiry into the circumstances surrounding what has been described as a mishap, according to ABC News.
Urgent Search Underway for Missing F-35 Jet
The dramatic incident unfolded over North Charleston on a sunny Sunday afternoon when an F-35 fighter aircraft from the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort experienced a critical issue. In response to the emergency, the aircraft's pilot initiated an ejection sequence and safely ejected from the plane.
The pilot's quick thinking and training paid off, as he parachuted down to safety, landing just a few hundred yards away from the airbase, specifically in South Kenwood Drive. Prompt medical attention was provided, ensuring the pilot's well-being.
Meanwhile, the pilot's wingman, accompanying the aircraft, managed to safely land at Joint Base Charleston without any complications. The skillful actions of both pilots undoubtedly contributed to averting a more catastrophic outcome.
In a tweet issued shortly after the incident, Joint Base Charleston urgently appealed to the public, stating, "If you have any information on the whereabouts of the F-35, please call our Base Defense Operations Center at 843-963-3600."
This plea reflects the seriousness of the situation and underscores the importance of locating the missing aircraft promptly. Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, located approximately 35 miles southwest of Charleston, serves as a vital hub for several 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing units, including the Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501, which operates F-35B Lightning IIs.
The base spans an impressive 6,900 acres and houses around 4,700 military personnel, USA Today reported.
Military Airbase's Crucial Training Facilities and Recent Tragedy
One significant aspect of this airbase is its extensive training facilities, which include a large air-to-air combat area off the coast of South Carolina and Georgia. Additionally, it boasts an air-to-ground combat and bombing range located in Georgia's McIntosh County.
These assets are crucial for preparing military personnel for real-world scenarios and ensuring their readiness. Unfortunately, this incident comes shortly after the loss of Major Andrew Mettler, a highly decorated Marine Corps pilot
Tragically, Major Mettler lost his life last month when his F/A-18D Hornet crashed near Marine Corps Air Station Miramar during a training flight. The crash occurred just before midnight on August 24, serving as a sad reminder of the inherent risks faced by military aviators.
Remarkably, this incident represents the fifth Class-A aviation mishap of the current fiscal year, which denotes accidents involving damage exceeding $2 million or fatalities. This is the first Class-A mishap involving a Marine Corps aircraft, according to Task & Purpose.
As the search for the missing F-35 fighter aircraft intensifies, the Marine Corps and local authorities are working diligently to recover the aircraft and ensure the safety of the surrounding community. Public cooperation and assistance will play a pivotal role in expediting the resolution of this critical situation and preventing further mishaps in the future.
The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges and risks faced by those in the nation's armed forces, even during routine training exercises, as per the Daily Mail.
