Failed mid-air fix, iced hydraulics, and a parachute escape: Inside the dramatic F-35 fighter jet crash caused by a landing gear malfunction
What Went Wrong in the Sky?
A US Air Force F-35 pilot was forced to eject from the fighter jet after a critical mid-air emergency, despite spending nearly 50 minutes in communication with engineers during the flight. The crash took place earlier this year on a runway in Alaska, in freezing conditions of -18°C.
Mid-Air Conference Call with Engineers
Shortly after takeoff, the pilot encountered a malfunctioning landing gear. Attempts to retract and lower it failed, leaving the nose gear stuck at an angle.
- The jet’s sensors falsely indicated the plane was already on the ground
- The pilot contacted five Lockheed Martin engineers via radio
- A 50-minute troubleshooting call took place while the pilot circled near the airbase
Despite their efforts, the issue remained unresolved.
Failed Landings and Final Ejection
To fix the jammed gear, the pilot attempted two “touch and go” landings hoping to realign the nose wheel. Both attempts failed and made the situation worse:
- The landing gear system froze completely
- The aircraft became uncontrollable
- The pilot ejected safely moments before the jet crashed and caught fire
Social media footage shows the F-35 spiraling, followed by the pilot parachuting to safety.
Ice in Hydraulic Lines Was the Culprit
According to a CNN-obtained investigation report, the cause of the crash was found to be ice contamination in the hydraulic fluid of the:
- Nose gear
- Right main landing gear
The contamination prevented the gear from deploying. In fact, one-third of the hydraulic fluid was found to contain water.
A similar icing incident occurred just nine days later at the same airbase, though that aircraft landed safely.
Report Points to Crew and Oversight Failures
The official report concluded that:
- In-flight decisions made by the crew and engineers contributed to the crash
- There was insufficient oversight of the base’s hazardous materials programme
F-35 Programme Under Fire Again
This crash adds to the ongoing criticism of Lockheed Martin’s F-35 program, which has faced scrutiny over:
- High operational costs
- Production flaws
- Maintenance challenges
📉 The cost of each F-35 has dropped from $135.8 million in 2021 to $81 million in 2024, following a deal with the US Department of Defense.
🧾 The programme is projected to run until 2088, with total costs exceeding $2 trillion, according to the US Government Accountability Office (GAO).
A Costly Lesson at 35,000 Feet
This F-35 crash highlights how even the world’s most advanced military aircraft are vulnerable to mechanical flaws and human error — especially in extreme environments. The incident underscores the need for stricter maintenance protocols and real-time crisis management training for pilots and engineers alike.
