Jet crashes in Fresno County, pilot status unknown
Share and Follow

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – An F-35C “Rough Raiders” jet crashed into a field in Fresno County, California, on Wednesday.

Naval Air Station Lemoore said the pilot is safe after successfully ejecting before the crash.

Toni Botti, a public information officer for the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, said the pilot was located and transported to a hospital where he was “doing OK” as of Wednesday night.

“The little that we know about the pilot is that he is a veteran pilot with lots of experience,” Botti told reporters.

Deputies responded to the downed aircraft, which crashed near Cadillac and Dickenson avenues, at around 6:40 p.m. Naval Air Station Lemoore confirmed the F-35C attached to the VFA-125 Rough Raiders jet went down not far from base.

NAS Lemoore reports no additional personnel were affected.

The crash ignited a fire, however, which grew to encompass five acres. It had been 100% contained as of 9 p.m., according to Cal Fire, and was extinguished just before 11 p.m.

Fresno County Supervisor Buddy Mendes, who oversees the district, told Nexstar’ KSEE that aircraft actually crashed in his cottonfield. It’s also not the first time an aircraft has crashed into his land: There was a deadly F-18 crash in the same area almost two decades ago.

A federal investigation is underway. No further information on the incident has been officially released.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Gluten warnings may be coming to US foods soon, FDA says

New FDA Proposal: Gluten Warnings on U.S. Food Labels Could Be Mandatory Soon

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is actively addressing significant gaps…
New on-campus veterinary clinic means faster care for service dogs at K9s For Warriors

New On-Campus Veterinary Clinic Enhances Rapid Care for Service Dogs at K9s For Warriors

K9s For Warriors has inaugurated a dedicated veterinary clinic at their Ponte…
Native American group vows Supreme Court fight over woke New York mascot ban

Native American Group Challenges New York’s Mascot Ban in Supreme Court Showdown

A Native American advocacy group has announced its determination to escalate a…
Carlos Beltran Hall of Fame worthy despite sign-stealing scandal

Carlos Beltran’s Hall of Fame Debate: Can His Legacy Overcome the Sign-Stealing Scandal?

Carlos Beltrán’s reputation took a hit due to his role in the…
Cause of death revealed for chess grandmaster who died aged 29

Cause of Death Unveiled for Chess Grandmaster Who Passed Away at 29

The recent release of a toxicology report has revealed that American chess…
Prince Harry disputes having 'leaky' social circle in Daily Mail trial

Prince Harry Challenges Claims of ‘Leaky’ Inner Circle in High-Profile Daily Mail Case

In a courtroom drama unfolding in London, Prince Harry adopted a defiant…
Donald Trump, Greenland news: Former Department of Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel explains price of Trump's pursuit of island

Former Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel Reveals Cost of Trump’s Greenland Ambitions

CHICAGO (WLS) — In a bold and contentious move, President Donald Trump…
Surgeon ex in Ohio dentist murders job hopped across country, dodged lawsuits after divorce

Ohio Dentist Murders: Ex-Husband Arrested for Alleged Disguise and Deception Tactics, Experts Reveal

The former husband of an Ohio dentist’s wife, who now faces charges…