F-35 Military Aircraft Crash Near Albuquerque Injures Pilot
A military aircraft crash near Albuquerque International Sunport on Tuesday afternoon left the pilot seriously injured.
F-35 Fighter Jet Crashes During Takeoff
The crashed aircraft was a developmental model of the F-35 fighter jet, according to two Defense Department officials. The plane, built by Lockheed Martin, was being delivered to Edwards Air Force Base in California when it went down.
UPDATE: Pilot ejected, treated for injuries after military F-35 fighter jet crashes in Albuquerque, New Mexico. https://t.co/kryErgjw90
— Malinda 🇺🇸🇺🇦🇵🇱🇨🇦🇮🇹🇦🇺🇬🇧🇬🇪🇩🇪🇸🇪 (@TreasChest) May 29, 2024
Source: Twitter/TreasChest
Pilot Hospitalized After F-35 Crash
A spokesperson for Kirtland Air Force Base confirmed the pilot, the sole occupant of the plane, was transporting the F-35 from Texas to Edwards Air Force Base. The pilot made a stop at Kirtland for refueling and shortly after takeoff, the military aircraft crash occurred.
Lt. Jason Fejer of Albuquerque Fire Rescue reported multiple agencies responding to the scene near the south side of Sunport. The pilot managed to escape the burning wreckage and was transported to the University of New Mexico Hospital with serious injuries. Thankfully, no civilians were injured during the incident.
Fire Contained, Investigation Underway
Firefighters successfully extinguished the blaze ignited by the military aircraft crash. The cause of the crash remains unknown and is currently under investigation.
Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller expressed his gratitude for the first responders' swift action and well wishes for the pilot's recovery.
On 1st May: U.S. Air Force F-16 Crashes
A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed on Tuesday in close proximity to Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico, near White Sands National Park, as stated in an official press release.
The F-16 belonged to the 49th Wing and went down around 1:50 p.m. ET near Alamogordo city.
The pilot ejected and was taken for medical treatment by ambulance. The press release advised that individuals who are not emergency personnel should steer clear of the area to avoid potential exposure to hazardous chemicals carried by the aircraft.
Emergency Response Efforts Underway
Emergency teams are heading to the site through the entrance road of White Sands National Park. While the park remains open, specific sections are currently off-limits to the public to facilitate emergency response efforts.
Holloman Air Force Base stated in the release that an investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the incident.
Military Presence in the Region
The 54th Fighter Group, part of the 49th Wing under the Air Education and Training Command, operates from the New Mexico base, indicating a significant military presence in the area.
Read more such news on techinsighttoday
Thank you so much for reading.