A Marine Corps F-35B fighter jet crashed after “making contact” with aKC-130J during an aerial refueling measure in southern California onTuesday evening.
“At approximately 1600 it was reported that an F-35B made contact with aKC-130J during an air-to-air refueling evolution, resulting in the crash ofthe F-35B,” a spokesperson with Marine Corps Air Station Yuma confirmed ina statement to American Military News.
The spokesperson also confirmed that the F-35B pilot successfully ejectedand is receiving treatment.
Unverified video posted to social media shows black smoke plumes risingfrom the desert purportedly where the F-35B crashed.
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The KC-130J made an emergency landing in the “vicinity” of the airport inThermal, Calif., and the crew is safe, the Marine spokesperson confirmed.
Unverified photos posted to social media show the KC-130J after landing ina farm field located just east of the Thermal airport.
