A U.S. Navy F-35C fighter jet crashed in a field in central California.
The pilot, from a training squadron, ejected safely and was uninjured.
This is the second crash of a $100 million F-35 jet this year.
A U.S. Navy F-35C fighter jet crashed on Wednesday evening in central California near Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore. The pilot managed to eject safely and was not injured, according to a statement from the naval base.
Reuters reported that the crash occurred around 6:30 p.m. in an area of open farmland approximately 40 miles southwest of Fresno.
Video from the scene showed fire and thick black smoke billowing from the wreckage. Emergency crews, including a local EMS team and Cal Fire, responded to the site to assist the pilot.
The Navy confirmed the aircraft was assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron VFA-125, the "Rough Raiders," which is a Fleet Replacement Squadron responsible for training new pilots and aircrew on the F-35C.
This variant of the advanced fifth-generation fighter is specifically designed for operations from U.S. aircraft carriers, reported CNN.
Reportedly, the jet manufactured by Lockheed Martin, the F-35 is one of the world's most advanced warplanes, valued for its stealth and combat capabilities.
However, the program has faced scrutiny over maintenance and readiness issues.
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation. This incident marks the second crash of an F-35, priced at around $100 million per unit, this year. In January, a U.S. Air Force F-35A crashed during a training mission in Alaska, with the pilot also ejecting safely.
