The F-35 is a technological marvel, but even the most advanced fighter is not crash-proof. Engine failures and pilot errors have led to costly disasters. These incidents expose critical flaws and miscalculations that shaped the jet’s history. Here are the ten worst crashes and why they happened.  

2014 Eglin AFB Fire

Nothing ruins a takeoff quite like an engine catching fire. On June 23, 2014, an F-35A at Eglin Air Force Base suffered a catastrophic engine failure when a turbine rotor fractured, igniting flames. The pilot escaped unscathed, but the charred jet highlighted serious design weaknesses in the engine’s durability.  

2018 Beaufort Crash

On September 28, 2018, a faulty fuel tube turned a routine training mission into a disaster. A Marine Corps F-35B crashed near Beaufort, South Carolina, forcing the pilot to eject. Investigators blamed a supplier defect, triggering worldwide inspections and replacements. 

2019 Japan Sea Disaster

A Japanese F-35A vanished from radar during a nighttime flight over the Pacific on April 9, 2019. Deep underwater, the wreckage was eventually located. Spatial disorientation was identified as the cause, demonstrating that even advanced technology cannot always compensate for human perception errors.

2020 Eglin AFB Mishap 

Sometimes, speed is not your friend. On May 19, 2020, an F-35A crashed while landing at Eglin Air Force Base. According to investigators, the pilot approached too fast and struggled with flight control settings, which led to failure to correct the descent and a fiery wreck with a total loss of $176 million.  

2020 Refueling Collision

Refueling in midair requires precision, but on September 29, 2020, an F-35B collided with a KC-130J over California during a refueling operation. The fighter spiraled into the desert while the tanker made an emergency belly landing. Reports indicate that factors like approach speed and flight control issues played a role, though exact details are still under investigation. 

2021 HMS Queen Elizabeth Incident

One small oversight, one giant mistake. On November 17, 2021, an F-35B took off from HMS Queen Elizabeth without removing a critical engine intake cover. The jet lost power, forcing the pilot to eject as it nosedived into the Mediterranean. 

2022 USS Carl Vinson Crash

Carrier landings are tough, and on January 24, 2022, an F-35C mishandled its approach to the USS Carl Vinson. The pilot ejected safely, but the jet skidded across the deck and plunged into the South China Sea. Investigators found that the crash was caused by pilot error. Specifically, the pilot failed to activate landing assist tools.

2022 Utah Crash

An F-35A crashed near Hill Air Force Base in Utah on October 19, 2022, after the pilot ejected during an attempted landing. The jet experienced an unspecified in-flight issue, leading to a loss of control on approach. While the pilot survived, the crash raised fresh concerns about reliability and maintenance challenges.

2023 South Carolina Incident

An F-35B pilot ejected over South Carolina on September 17, 2023, believing the jet was in distress. After the pilot ejected, the aircraft remained airborne on its own for miles before crashing. This incident sparked debates on situational awareness, pilot training, and the factors leading to such unexpected mishaps. 

2025 Alaska Training Accident 

Training exercises turned tragic on January 28, 2025, when an F-35A at Eielson Air Force Base suffered an in-flight failure, forcing the pilot to eject. While the specific reason for the crash remains under investigation, initial reports confirm that an in-flight emergency occurred.