F-35 fighter jet flies for more than 11 minutes without a pilot

The US Marine Corps announced on October 31 the conclusion of an investigation into an F-35B fighter jet that flew on its own for more than 11 minutes after the pilot ejected on September 17, 2023, according to CBS News.

F-35B fighter

PHOTO: US MARINE CORPS

The report concluded that the crash was caused by pilot error, who “incorrectly assessed the situation,” believing that an emergency flight was out of control and ejecting the aircraft even though “the aircraft was still airworthy.”

According to the report, the flight and perception conditions were extremely difficult. The pilot ejected from the F-35 in a severe storm after experiencing multiple electrical and display failures.

After the pilot ejected, the $100 million plane continued to fly for 11 minutes and 21 seconds, covering more than 70 miles before crashing into a rural area near the town of Hemmingway, South Carolina.

The pilot parachuted onto a road and into a house to call 911, reporting the F-35 missing. The scene was discovered a day later.

Before crashing, the F-35 plowed through a dense forest, cotton fields and soybeans. Debris was found in an area nearly 550 meters long and 91 meters wide at its widest. The F-35’s front landing gear was found stuck to a tall tree trunk.

Investigators believe the plane was able to fly so far thanks to its automatic flight control system. Meanwhile, the military lost track of the F-35 due to the plane's low flight speed, a broken transponder, and partly because of the advanced stealth technology of this 5th generation fighter.

Before the ejection, the pilot experienced an electrical failure that damaged the radio, transponder, navigation, and landing systems. However, the backup systems kept the plane “airworthy,” given that it continued flying for a long time after the pilot ejected.

The incident did not result in any injuries on the ground but caused damage to crops and private forest land. The report did not recommend any disciplinary action for the incident.

However, Colonel Charles Del Pizzo, 49, confirmed to Defense News that he was the one who flew the plane. Mr. Del Pizzo said that Marine Corps Chief of Staff Eric Smith had ordered him to be relieved of his position as commander of the 1st Test and Evaluation Squadron after reviewing the investigation report.

Although investigators said Mr Del Pizzo followed proper procedures and did not neglect his duties, he could have continued flying the plane and his decision to eject was a mistake.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tiem-kich-f-35-tu-bay-hon-11-phut-du-khong-co-phi-cong-185241101123325993.htm