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
Meghan Markle is mocked for Duchess of Sussex-branded 'DS' tote bag

Meghan Markle’s New ‘DS’ Tote Bag Sparks Online Buzz

Meghan Markle recently faced criticism for carrying a tote bag prominently displaying…

Joe Manganiello and Caitlin O’Connor Celebrate Engagement Announcement

In an exciting turn of events, Joe Manganiello and Caitlin O’Connor have…
Government shutdown: Democrats say Trump needs to be involved, but he's shown little interest in doing so

Democrats Urge Trump’s Involvement Amid Government Shutdown, Highlighting His Apparent Disengagement

President Donald Trump appears to be in no rush to facilitate a…
Legally blind tattoo artist shares journey

Visually Impaired Tattoo Artist Chronicles Inspirational Journey

POLAND, Ohio (WKBN) — Despite being born legally blind, Nicole Morrone has…
Feds seek 'agitator' accused of damaging Arizona ICE building

Feds Hunt for Suspected ‘Agitator’ in Arizona ICE Facility Vandalism Case

Federal authorities have announced a reward of up to $10,000 for information…
US military seized survivors after Caribbean drone strike on suspected drug smuggling boat

U.S. Military Captures Survivors Following Caribbean Drone Strike on Alleged Drug-Smuggling Vessel

The United States military has apprehended two individuals following their rescue from…
How Ethan Hawke, Bobby Cannavale prepped for Sardi's-set 'Blue Moon': Drinks with Patti LuPone

Inside the Sardi’s Magic: How Ethan Hawke and Bobby Cannavale’s ‘Blue Moon’ Prepped with Patti LuPone

Welcome to O’Sardi’s! For the upcoming film “Blue Moon,” featuring Ethan Hawke…
Video shows masked trio in Halloween costumes terrorize family in attempted home invasion

Masked Trio in Halloween Costumes Attempt Home Invasion, Video Reveals

A chilling video has surfaced, capturing a group wearing eerie Halloween masks…