F-35 Crash at MCAS Miramar Initiates Emergency Response and Fire

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B aircraft assigned to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing crashed on Friday morning at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar in San Diego. The incident led to an emergency response and ignited a brush fire, as confirmed by a base spokesperson.

Emergency personnel were dispatched to handle what the Marine Corps referred to as an “aircraft mishap” on the flight line around 10 a.m. local time. The aircraft was part of Marine Aircraft Group 11.

The situation involved a “Class A mishap,” which includes significant damage or destruction of the aircraft. Fortunately, the pilot ejected safely and was recovered. However, details about the flight’s purpose remain unknown. It is unclear if the aircraft was arriving, departing, or involved in a training mission, as 1st Lt. Blake Starbuck provided limited information about any casualties.

The crash resulted in a brush fire north of state Route 52, visible from the freeway.

Footage from SkyRanger 7 showed the downed aircraft split into two sections within a large burned area resembling the size of a football field. The fire was north of State Route 52 and could be seen from nearby highways, which led to involvement from the California Highway Patrol.

Despite local efforts, the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department stated they were assisting with the brush fire, yet highlighted that the military holds jurisdiction over the situation.

No press conference has been announced yet. Authorities plan to release more information as it surfaces. This report is evolving, and updates will continue to emerge.

Brittany Miller, a writer for Fox News Digital, contributed to this report. She previously wrote for Independent and graduated from Syracuse University in 2023.