Military authorities are seeking assistance from the public in locating a missing aircraft following an incident off the coast of South Carolina on Sunday. The incident occurred when a Marine Corps pilot safely ejected from the fighter jet.
The pilot successfully ejected and parachuted safely into a North Charleston, South Carolina neighborhood at approximately 2 p.m. Subsequently, the pilot was transported to a local hospital and is reported to be in stable condition. The pilot’s identity has not yet been disclosed, according to Maj. Melanie Salinas.
Joint Base Charleston has issued a request for information from anyone who may have details that could aid in the recovery efforts of the F-35 aircraft. They can contact the Base Defense Operations Center, as stated in an announcement.
The F-35B Lightning II jet initiated its flight from Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort and belonged to a Marine fighter attack training squadron associated with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.
Authorities are currently conducting search operations north of Joint Base Charleston, in the vicinity of Lake Moultrie and Lake Marion, based on the last known location of the aircraft. Notably, two planes were flying in close proximity, but there is no indication that one aircraft impeded the other’s operations.
The second jet safely landed at Joint Base Charleston, according to official reports.
Following the clearance of adverse weather conditions in the area, a South Carolina Law Enforcement Division helicopter joined the search efforts for the missing F-35, as noted by Senior Master Sgt. Heather Stanton at Joint Base Charleston.
Authorities have not disclosed the cause of the incident and have indicated that additional information will be provided at a later time.