What Happened
Marine Pilot Survives Emergency Ejection Before Aircraft Explodes
A US Marine Corps F-35B crashed and caught fire near the runway at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego after the pilot ejected at low altitude. The pilot, who was the only person aboard, survived with non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a local medical facility. The incident occurred on July 31, 2026, and has been classified as a Class A mishap, the most serious category. The cause of the crash is under investigation, with the Marine Corps not disclosing further details. The crash was reported by AeroTime.