Title: Ejected F-35 Pilot Calls 911: ‘I’m Not Sure Where the Airplane Is’
Date: [Insert Date]
Author: Cody Godwin, USA TODAY
In a shocking turn of events, an F-35 military pilot ejected from his aircraft and made a desperate 911 call, pleading for medical help. The recorded phone call was released, revealing the pilot’s confusion and urgency after parachuting into a South Carolina resident’s backyard.
The incident occurred in North Charleston, where the resident immediately contacted emergency services to request an ambulance. The resident informed the dispatcher that there was a pilot in their backyard, urgently needing assistance.
The pilot took over the call, identifying himself as the military jet’s pilot and requesting immediate rescue. He expressed uncertainty regarding the whereabouts of the crashed airplane but confirmed that he had ejected from the aircraft. The pilot’s safety was of paramount concern during the call.
This incident coincided with the release of a comprehensive 96-page report by a federal accountability office, urging the Department of Defense and the military services to reevaluate the future sustainment strategy of the F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jet model. The report highlighted the government’s plan to invest $1.7 trillion in 2,500 F-35 jets.
Over the weekend, a military aircraft worth $100 million went missing, flying unmanned for 60 miles before crashing in South Carolina, north of Joint Base Charleston. The jet’s debris was discovered in Indiantown, approximately 80 miles away from the base.
The U.S. Marine Corps has provided limited information on the cause of the incident, leaving uncertainties surrounding the disappearance and subsequent crash. However, the Associated Press reported that the aircraft was equipped with flight control software that allowed it to continue flying without a pilot.
The Marine Corps addressed the situation by emphasizing that the flight control software was designed to safeguard incapacitated pilots or those experiencing situational awareness issues. An investigation is currently underway to determine the exact circumstances and causes of the mishap.
According to the report, the crashed F-35 was one of the roughly 450 owned by the Department of Defense. The Government Accountability Office expressed concerns in their report, particularly regarding the maintenance costs associated with the F-35 aircraft. Out of the total $1.7 trillion investment, around $1.3 trillion involves the operations and sustenance of the jets.
The report further highlighted the Government Accountability Office’s findings, revealing that the F-35 aircraft were performing “far below program goals.” Issues with depot and organizational maintenance, a lack of technical data and training, contributed to a mission capable rate of only 55% in March 2023.
The Government Accountability Office made recommendations for the Department of Defense to reassess the F-35 sustainment elements, determine responsibilities between the government and contractors, and make necessary changes to enhance performance and affordability.
The Department of Defense has reviewed and concurred with all the recommendations provided by the Government Accountability Office, according to Jeff Jurgenson, a spokesperson for the department.
As the investigation into the F-35 crash unfolds, questions surrounding the aircraft’s reliability and overall sustainability persist. The incident serves as a reminder of the significant investments and challenges associated with military aviation technology.
[Insert Optional Conclusion Paragraph]
Contributing writers: Jeanine Santucci, Vanessa Arredondo (USA TODAY), The Associated Press
Contact: Kayla Jimenez at [email protected]. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter, at @kaylajjimenez.