Authorities Ask for Help Finding F-35 Jet After Pilot Ejects Due to ‘Mishap’
Jeremy Huggins, a spokesperson for the air base, told NBC News that the F-35B Lightning II jet was in autopilot mode when the pilot ejected, so there’s a chance the jet could still be airborne.
A fighter jet went missing on September 17 after a pilot ejected because of ‘mishap,’ forcing authorities to ask for the public’s help in finding it.
It’s unclear what caused the pilot to eject, but they were able to do so safely and were taken to medical center afterward, according to Joint Base Charleston.
Jeremy Huggins, a spokesperson for the air base, told NBC News that the F-35B Lightning II jet was in autopilot mode when the pilot ejected, so there’s a chance the jet could still be airborne. However, Huggins also said search teams were looking for the jet in areas based on its last-known position but couldn’t elaborate on whether or not officials believed the jet could’ve crashed.
‘The public is asked to cooperate with military and civilian authorities as the effort continues,’ the air base said in a Facebook post. ‘If you have any information that would assist the recovery teams, please call the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Public Affairs Office at 252-466-3827.’
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By KENADEE MANGUS