Debris field of missing US F-35 stealth fighter jet found

Washington, Sep 18 (EFE).- The debris field of a US F-35 stealth fighter jet that went missing after the pilot ejected because of a “mishap” was found on Monday in South Carolina.

Military officials, along with local authorities, found the debris in Williamsburg County, about two hours northeast of Joint Base Charleston, an air base in North Charleston, the base said in a statement.

“The mishap is currently under investigation, and we are unable to provide additional details to preserve the integrity of the investigative process,” it said.

Military authorities had appealed for help from the public to locate the plane on Sunday afternoon when it reported the F-35B Lightning II fighter missing and its transponder not working after the pilot ejected from the aircraft.

“The pilot ejected safely and was transferred to a local medical center in stable condition,” the base had said.

It is not yet known what prompted the pilot to eject while the jet was in autopilot mode.

The plane was part of Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron (VMFAT) 501 with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. EFE

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