UPDATED: As of 6:30pm ET on Sept 18, 2023, the F-35 debris field has been found, confirmed by Joint Base Charleston to local news media. The crash scene is in Williamsburg County, a couple hours north of the base. Local, county, and state authorities are assisting on scene as the investigation continues, but no additional information has been provided.
Marine Corps acting commandant, Eric Smith, has issued a 2-day stand-down this week for all aviation units inside and outside of the country, to discuss safety measures and procedures.
ORIGINAL REPORT SEP 18:
A Marine Corps F-35B pilot safely ejected from his stealth fighter jet this afternoon next to Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina. Details are few as of now, but base PA has confirmed the incident.
The pilot ejected with last radar contact a few miles northeast of Lake Moultrie. Local emergency dispatch chatter said the pilot ejected from 2,000 ft, a few miles north of Lake Moultrie. The pilot made it out safely, and then showed up a several miles south in a backyard of a residential neighborhood. The weather was horrible at the time of the accident, but unclear if that played any part.
The pilot was sent to a local hospital to be checked out. His wingman landed in another F-35 back to Joint Base Charleston.
The pilot and jet are based out of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina. Operating with VMFAT-501 with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.
No smoke has been reported, which would be an obvious sign that a jet went down. There are no reports of property damage either. As of now, the jet has not been located.
