
Albuquerque, NM — A U.S. military F-35B Lightning II fighter jet crashed during takeoff from Albuquerque International Sunport on Tuesday afternoon, sparking a dramatic emergency response and raising fresh questions about the safety and logistics of advanced stealth aircraft operations in urban-adjacent airports. The pilot successfully ejected from the aircraft and was rushed to a local hospital with injuries that, while serious, were not believed to be life-threatening.
The incident occurred at approximately 1:48 p.m. local time, shortly after the fifth-generation fighter jet took off from the airfield. The aircraft, part of a routine transfer from Fort Worth, Texas, to Edwards Air Force Base in California, had stopped at Kirtland Air Force Base—located adjacent to the Sunport—for refueling before continuing its journey.
According to officials from Kirtland and the Department of Defense, the pilot encountered an unspecified mechanical issue moments after liftoff. Within seconds, the aircraft lost altitude and veered off course, prompting the pilot to activate the ejection system. Witnesses on the ground reported seeing a parachute deploy and a plume of black smoke rise from the southern end of the airport’s airfield.
“It was sudden,” said Maria Torres, an airport employee who witnessed the crash from a nearby maintenance building. “We heard a loud boom and then saw fire and smoke. Emergency vehicles were on the scene very quickly.”

Emergency Response and Aftermath
Emergency responders, including the Albuquerque Fire Department, airport fire crews, and Kirtland Air Force Base personnel, arrived on the scene within minutes. They extinguished the resulting fire and cordoned off a large area surrounding the wreckage, which was strewn across a secure zone near University Boulevard and Rio Bravo SE.
The pilot was located not far from the crash site, having ejected at low altitude. According to officials at the University of New Mexico Hospital, the pilot suffered several injuries but is expected to recover. His identity has not been released, pending notification of family members.
No civilians were injured in the crash, and there was no damage to airport infrastructure or commercial aircraft. However, some airport operations were briefly delayed or rerouted while authorities secured the area and investigated the cause of the incident.
A Pentagon spokesperson confirmed that the jet was part of the U.S. Marine Corps fleet and had recently been outfitted with Technology Refresh 2 (TR-2) software—a new suite of upgrades designed to enhance avionics and weapon system performance. The aircraft was reportedly in a non-combat testing configuration and was not carrying live munitions at the time of the crash.
Investigation Underway
As of Wednesday morning, the cause of the crash remains under investigation by a joint team involving the U.S. Navy, Air Force, and Lockheed Martin, the jet’s manufacturer. Officials are examining flight data recorders, maintenance logs, and cockpit systems to determine what went wrong during takeoff.
Col. Michael Power, commanding officer at Kirtland Air Force Base, held a brief press conference, assuring the public that the crash posed no immediate threat to surrounding neighborhoods and that military protocols were followed precisely.
“We are thankful that the pilot survived and that no one else was injured,” said Col. Power. “Our teams are working around the clock to understand what happened and ensure the safety of all future operations.”
Recurring Concerns About the F-35 Program
The crash has reignited debates surrounding the controversial F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program, which is the most expensive weapons system in history, with estimated total costs approaching $2 trillion over its lifetime. While the F-35 boasts unmatched stealth, sensor fusion, and multirole capabilities, the program has suffered numerous delays, cost overruns, and maintenance issues since its inception in the early 2000s.
Critics have often pointed to technical problems that plague the jet, including software bugs, parts shortages, and sustainment concerns. Supporters argue that the F-35 remains the most capable fighter of its generation and that isolated incidents are not representative of the fleet’s overall safety record.

This latest incident marks the second known F-35 crash in the United States in less than a year and the fourth serious mishap involving a U.S. military aircraft in New Mexico in the past two years.
Public Reaction and Community Response
Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller released a statement via social media, offering thoughts and prayers for the injured pilot and expressing gratitude for the swift response by emergency personnel.
“We are thankful for the professionalism and bravery of our local and military first responders,” the statement read. “The safety of our community is always the top priority, and we will work closely with federal partners to understand the causes and implications of this incident.”
Residents living near the airport voiced mixed reactions, with some expressing concern about military aircraft operating so close to populated areas, while others supported the presence of the base and its role in national defense.
“I live just a few miles from here, and it’s scary to think what could have happened if it crashed in a neighborhood,” said Raul Martinez, a South Valley resident. “I hope they really figure out what went wrong.”
Moving Forward
In the aftermath of the crash, the Navy has launched environmental cleanup efforts at the crash site to mitigate any hazardous material release, such as jet fuel or classified components. Portions of University Boulevard remained closed for much of the following day as forensic teams and safety inspectors continued their work.
Lockheed Martin issued a statement expressing its support for the pilot and confirming its cooperation with investigators.
“We are working closely with the U.S. government and military stakeholders to support the investigation,” the statement read. “Safety remains our top priority, and we are committed to learning everything we can from this incident.”
While the F-35 program continues to expand, with international partners such as the U.K., Japan, and Australia heavily invested, each crash further highlights the delicate balance between deploying cutting-edge technology and ensuring reliable, safe operations.
In Summary:
An F-35B Lightning II crashed during takeoff at Albuquerque International Sunport, prompting a swift emergency response and a federal investigation. The pilot, who ejected and survived, remains hospitalized. As the military and Lockheed Martin examine the cause, the crash underscores the ongoing challenges—and high stakes—of the U.S. military’s most advanced aircraft program.