F-35A Lightning II fifth-generation fighter to undergo $76 million worth of repairs after collision with eagle

The Republic of Korea's air force could lose one F-35A Lightning II fifth-generation fighter jet. The aircraft collided with a bird during one of its flights and is now facing costly repairs.

Here's What We Know

The incident happened more than a year ago. The F-35A fighter jet was badly damaged after it was struck by an eagle. The collision with the bird occurred at an altitude of about 330 metres. The eagle hit the left vacuum pump, causing damage to the hydraulic tube and chassis electronics.

As a result of the incident, the pilot returned to the airfield and was forced to make a belly landing, which required skillful manoeuvring so as not to destroy the aircraft. Before doing so, he emptied the fuel tank in mid-air. No one was injured in the incident, apart from the bird and the fighter jet.

Lockheed Martin has made an assessment and found that it will cost $76 million to repair the F-35A. At the same time the plane itself costs about $100 million. The Republic of Korea will have to pay for the repair, as the accident was not Lockheed Martin's fault. In this regard, the military is considering writing off the damaged plane.

Source: The Korea Times