F-35B sustained at least $2.5 million worth of damage during a training flight in Japan

An F-35B Lightning II fifth-generation fighter jet has been damaged in Japan. The US Marine Corps has launched an investigation.

Here's What We Know

The incident occurred on the afternoon of May 16, 2023. The focus was on an F-35B fighter jet belonging to the 121st Strike Squadron, 1st Air Wing, based in Japan. This was revealed by Marine Corps spokesman 2nd Lt Dan Kim.

It is learnt that during "normal basic manoeuvre training", the hatch that covers the gangway became detached. As a result, parts of it broke off and hit the fighter's air intake. The pilot was able to return to base and leave the aircraft on his own. No injuries were reported.

The Naval Safety Command (Naval Safety Command) called the incident with the F-35B Lightning II a Class A accident. In simple terms, that means there was at least $2.5 million in property damage.

Russell Goemaere, a spokesman for the F-35 Joint Program Office, said last week that he could not disclose details while the investigation continues. He noted, however, that experts had initially not identified any safety issues that could affect the entire fleet.

Source: Marine Corps Times