A Marine investigation reveals pilot error led to the crash of an F-35 fighter jet in South Carolina, which flew unmanned for 11 minutes before impact.
At a Glance
- Marine investigation attributes F-35 crash to unnecessary pilot ejection
- Aircraft flew unmanned for 11 minutes before crashing in rural South Carolina
- Stealth technology and malfunctioning transponder complicated search efforts
- Pilot ejected due to system failures and disorientation during landing attempt
- Crash site cleanup and examination cost over $2.1 million
Pilot Error Leads to F-35 Crash
A recent Marine investigation has concluded that the crash of an F-35 fighter jet in South Carolina was the result of pilot error. The incident, which occurred during a landing attempt in heavy rain, has raised questions about the aircraft’s systems and the decision-making process of military pilots under stress.
The investigation revealed that the pilot, later identified as Col. Charles “Tre” Del Pizzo, ejected from the aircraft after experiencing system failures and spatial disorientation. These issues included an “electrical event” that affected the jet’s radios, transponders, and navigation systems. Despite the Marine Corps’ findings, no punitive actions were recommended against Del Pizzo.
JUST IN: Marine Corps investigators blamed the pilot for the high-profile crash of a F-35B stealth fighter jet last year near Charleston, S.C., in which the plane continued to fly more than 60 miles after the pilot ejected.https://t.co/Ex7QU66jCP
— Stars and Stripes (@starsandstripes) October 31, 2024
Stealth Technology Complicates Search Efforts
Following the pilot’s ejection, the F-35 continued to fly unmanned for approximately 11 minutes before crashing in a rural area of South Carolina. The search for the aircraft was significantly hampered by its advanced stealth technology and a malfunctioning transponder, leading to a delay of over 24 hours in locating the crash site.
“The investigators wrote that the jet was hard to find and the ‘loss of positive contact could also be partially attributed to the F-35B’s low-observable technology’.” Marine investigators said.
The difficulty in locating the aircraft highlights both the effectiveness of the F-35’s stealth capabilities and the potential challenges they pose in emergency situations. This incident has prompted discussions about balancing advanced military technology with practical safety considerations.
Aftermath and Investigation Findings
The crash site in Williamsburg County required an extensive cleanup and examination process, lasting 17 days and costing over $2.1 million. This significant investment of time and resources underscores the seriousness with which the military treats such incidents and the complexity of investigating crashes involving advanced aircraft.
“With no visible reference to the horizon or ground, and unsure of which flight instruments he could trust, he perceived that the aircraft was still not responding to his commands to convert — and therefore was out-of-controlled flight” the Marine Corps investigation stated.
Despite the investigation’s conclusion of pilot error, it’s important to note that the crash recorder did not capture data on what the pilot saw or received before ejection. This lack of crucial information has led to ongoing discussions about improving data collection systems in military aircraft to better understand and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Implications for Military Aviation
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the challenges faced by military pilots and the need for continuous training and support. Aviation expert John Nance emphasized the difficulty of the situation, stating, “All you can do is go to your instruments, try desperately to make your mind believe what the instruments are telling you versus what your physiology is telling you, and go from there.”
While Col. Del Pizzo was initially assured that the incident would not affect his career, he was later relieved from command of VMX-1. However, he has since returned to full flight status after a performance review. This outcome highlights the complex balance between accountability and understanding in military aviation incidents.
As the military continues to operate and develop advanced aircraft like the F-35, incidents such as this serve as critical learning opportunities. They underscore the importance of ongoing training, system improvements, and the need to prepare pilots for a wide range of potential emergencies, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of America’s air power.
