A U.S. Navy F‑35C Lightning II from Strike Fighter Squadron VFA‑125 ("Rough Raiders") crashed around 6:30–6:40 PM local time in a field just outside Naval Air Station Lemoore, California’s largest naval aviation base. The pilot successfully ejected and is safe; no other personnel were harmed.

The impact ignited a brush fire, sending large plumes of black smoke visible for miles. Eyewitnesses noted a parachute where the pilot landed and emergency services responded swiftly to the crash site.

While damage beyond the aircraft is not yet confirmed, authorities have launched a full investigation into the crash’s cause. It marks another incident involving the F‑35, following recent challenges such as a stranded UK F‑35B in India.

Naval Air Station Lemoore, home to numerous strike fighter squadrons including the F‑35C fleet on the U.S. West Coast, is a critical hub for naval aviation operations.

This incident revives global scrutiny over the reliability of F‑35 operations, as stakeholders continue to assess safety protocols and aircraft performance amid a rising number of mishaps.