F-35B Fighter Jet Crashes Near Albuquerque Airport in New Mexico

A developmental version of an F-35B fighter jet crashed shortly after takeoff from Albuquerque International Sunport at approximately 1:50 p.m. MDT on Tuesday.

The aircraft, on its way to Edwards Air Force Base in California from a Lockheed Martin facility in Texas, caught fire upon impact on the south side of the airport. Local firefighters promptly extinguished the flames.

The sole pilot, who ejected safely from the aircraft, was conscious when emergency response teams arrived and transported him to the University of New Mexico hospital. The pilot's condition is reported as stable. Additionally, debris from the crash injured two civilians, who were treated on-site and did not require hospital transport, reports said.

The cause of the incident, which allegedly involved the jet after refueling at Kirtland Air Force Base, remains under investigation. Kirtland officials, who are leading the inquiry, have committed to providing further details as they become available.

This crash follows another military aircraft incident in New Mexico, where an F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed near Holloman Air Force Base in April, resulting in minor injuries to its pilot.

Kirtland Air Force Base, located on Albuquerque's southern edge, is a significant hub for nuclear operations and research, hosting the 377th Air Base Wing and the Air Force Research Laboratory.

The F-35B, valued at $135 million, is a fifth-generation, single-seat, supersonic fighter capable of speeds up to 1,200 mph and a maximum altitude of 50,000 feet.