Overview
- The Nellis-assigned F-35A, which local reports said had trouble maneuvering Tuesday, crashed inside the Nevada Test and Training Range about 25 miles northeast of Indian Springs.
- Rescue crews located the ejected pilot and an HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter flew the recovery, with the aviator treated for minor injuries.
- Base officials reported no impact to populated areas, and the crash site lies on restricted federal training land that keeps military mishaps away from civilians.
- The Air Force has begun a standard safety investigation that will analyze flight data and maintenance records, and officials have not identified a cause.
- This incident joins a small number of U.S. F-35 mishaps in recent years, most ending with successful ejections and nonfatal injuries.