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Investigation found pilot error was the cause of the F-35 flying for 11 minutes after ejection

Investigation found pilot error was the cause of the F-35 flying for 11 minutes after ejection

A Marine Corps investigation concluded that the crash of the F-35 fighter, which was lost for more than 24 hours after the pilot ejected, was caused by pilot error, but that multiple system failures and bad weather contributed to the incident.

The F-35B jet was flying in heavy rain near Joint Base Charleston on Sept. 17, 2023, when the pilot ejected and landed in the North Charleston neighborhood. However, according to a Marine Corps investigation, the F-35 remained airborne for approximately 11 minutes after ejection due to its autonomous flight control systems. released Today.

Due in part to the plane’s invisible coating, it took authorities about 30 hours to find the jet, during which time social media users made many strange theories and jokes about what might have happened. It was ultimately found 64 nautical miles northeast of Joint Base Charleston.

Investigators blamed the crash on the pilot, but said an “electrical event” caused multiple system failures – including both radio systems, the transponder, the tactical air navigation system and the instrument landing system. Mounted on the helmet displayThe pilot’s primary display system and the widescreen cockpit display malfunctioned at least three times, causing the pilot to become disoriented during heavy downpour, the investigation found.

“The pilot misdiagnosed an uncontrolled flight failure and was ejected from the controlled aircraft, although during a heavy storm accompanied by failures of the aircraft’s electrical system and displays,” the investigation said.

The report indicated that the pilot had extensive experience in the AV-8B Harrier jet but was a “relative novice” on the F-35B.

Authorities were unable to find the fifth-generation fighter after the crash because, according to an investigation, the plane’s transponder had failed due to an electrical fault, and the plane’s stealth coating made it much more difficult to locate compared to a traditional plane.

“The loss of positive radar contact with the accident aircraft resulted from a transponder failure caused by an electrical failure and the aircraft ultimately descending below the air traffic control radar horizon. The loss of positive contact may also be partially attributable to the F-35B’s low-observable technology,” the investigation said.

After an unfortunate accident and two fatal plane crashes, the Marine Corps ordered a two-day flight withdraw.