Albuquerque, NM – A recently built F-35B fighter jet from Lockheed Martin crashed on Tuesday afternoon near Albuquerque International Sunport, raising concerns about the safety and reliability of one of the most expensive military programs in US history.
The incident occurred during the aircraft’s transfer from the assembly plant in Fort Worth, Texas, to Edwards Air Force Base in California.
The pilot, from the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), was operating the F-35B when it went down.
After refueling at Kirtland Air Force Base, adjacent to Albuquerque International Sunport, the aircraft crashed into a hillside. Eyewitnesses described a harrowing scene.
Patrick White, a local resident driving in the area at the time, recounted his experience to the Associated Press. “I saw the aircraft trailing low to the ground, kicking up a cloud of dirt and dust. It briefly disappeared from my line of sight, and then I saw an enormous plume of black smoke,” White said.
As he drove past the crash site, he saw debris, including a significant piece of the fighter jet, in the middle of the road. The pilot ejected before impact and was seriously injured.
He was transported to the University of New Mexico Hospital for treatment. His current condition has not been disclosed. Two civilians who were in the vicinity of the crash were evaluated for injuries but did not require hospitalization.
The crash has not only raised safety concerns but also highlighted the financial implications of mishaps involving the F-35 program. The F-35 Lightning II, developed by Lockheed Martin, is one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world.
However, it comes with a hefty price tag, contributing to a program cost exceeding $1 trillion. Each aircraft costs approximately $90 million to produce.
This incident is not the first to bring scrutiny to the F-35 program. In September of last year, a Marine Corps pilot safely ejected from an F-35B during a training flight in South Carolina.
However, the aircraft went missing for over 30 hours before the wreckage was found. The high cost and frequency of these accidents are causing concern among military officials and taxpayers alike.
Lockheed Martin and the Department of Defense are expected to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Preliminary findings will likely focus on mechanical failure, human error, or a combination of both.
The results of this investigation will be crucial in preventing future incidents and ensuring the safety of both military personnel and civilians.
The Department of Defense’s scrutiny of Lockheed Martin’s refund policy and contractual obligations is anticipated to intensify following this crash.
Depending on the outcome of the investigation and any resulting actions, the company could face significant financial implications.
As the investigation unfolds, the defense community and the public await further details on what caused the crash and how it will impact the future of the F-35 program.
With the immense financial investment and the lives of pilots at stake, ensuring the safety and reliability of these advanced fighter jets remains a top priority for the Department of Defense and Lockheed Martin.
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