U.S. Navy F-35C Fighter Jet Crashes Near Naval Air Station Lemoore, Pilot Ejects Safely
Lemoore, CA – July 31, 2025 – A U.S. Navy F-35C Lightning II fighter jet crashed near Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore in central California on Wednesday evening, July 30, 2025, around 6:30 p.m. local time, the Navy confirmed. The pilot, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron VFA-125, known as the “Rough Raiders,” safely ejected and is reported to be in stable condition with no serious injuries. No other personnel or civilians were harmed, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Details of the Incident
The crash occurred in open farmland approximately 40 miles southwest of Fresno, near NAS Lemoore, the Navy’s primary West Coast base for strike fighter operations. The aircraft, a carrier-based F-35C variant designed for catapult launches and arrested landings on U.S. aircraft carriers, was part of a training mission with VFA-125, a Fleet Replacement Squadron responsible for preparing pilots and aircrew for F-35C operations. Video footage from CNN affiliate KFSN captured thick black smoke and flames rising from the crash site, with emergency responders, including local EMS and Cal Fire, quickly converging on the scene to assist the pilot and secure the area.
NAS Lemoore’s Public Affairs Officer, Sarah Thrasher, stated, “The pilot successfully ejected and is safe. There are no additional affected personnel.” The Navy has not disclosed the exact location or extent of damage to the $100 million aircraft, which marks the second F-35 crash in 2025 following an Air Force F-35A incident in Alaska in January, where the pilot also ejected safely.
The F-35 Program and Recent Challenges
The F-35 Lightning II, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, is a fifth-generation stealth fighter lauded for its advanced stealth, speed, agility, and multi-role capabilities, including air superiority, strike missions, and intelligence gathering. The F-35C is one of three variants, alongside the Air Force’s F-35A and the Marine Corps’ F-35B, designed for short takeoff and vertical landing. Over 17 countries participate in the F-35 program, which is a cornerstone of U.S. and allied military fleets. However, the program has faced scrutiny for high costs, maintenance challenges, and software issues, with this crash renewing concerns about operational readiness.
This incident follows a series of F-35 mishaps, including a British F-35B grounded in India for over a month due to a fault discovered after an unscheduled landing in June 2025, raising security concerns about sensitive technology in a non-partner country. Other notable crashes include a Japanese F-35A in 2019, attributed to pilot spatial disorientation, and a U.S. Marine Corps F-35B in 2020 after a mid-air collision. Despite these incidents, analyses suggest the F-35 remains relatively safe compared to other military aircraft, though each crash prompts intense scrutiny given the jet’s strategic importance and cost.
Investigation and Implications
The Navy has launched a federal investigation to determine the cause of the crash, with no preliminary findings yet released. Emergency logs reported by local media indicated the jet was “engulfed in flames” near S. Dickenson Ave. and W. Cadillac Ave., prompting a rapid response from civilian and military first responders. The investigation will likely focus on mechanical issues, pilot error, or environmental factors, similar to past F-35 incidents attributed to engine malfunctions, oxygen system failures, or software glitches.
The crash comes amid broader concerns about the Trump administration’s foreign policy impacting military alliances, with some NATO members and partners like the U.K., which recently ordered additional F-35s, questioning reliance on the platform. The incident may also draw attention from countries considering F-35 purchases, as its advanced capabilities are weighed against recurring technical and safety challenges.
Community and Military Response
NAS Lemoore, a critical hub for training aviators for combat readiness, has not reported disruptions to base operations but is cooperating fully with investigators. Social media posts, including from accounts like @rawsalerts and @FaytuksNetwork, shared images of the fiery wreckage, amplifying public interest. Lockheed Martin, the F-35’s manufacturer, has not yet issued a statement, as the incident occurred outside regular business hours.
The safe ejection of the pilot has been a point of relief, with Fresno County Sheriff’s Office confirming EMS support at the scene. As the investigation unfolds, the Navy and local authorities are urging the public to avoid the crash site to ensure safety and preserve evidence. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.