F-35B stealth fighter jet crashes near Marine Corps base in California

A pilot has been rushed to the hospital after a US Marine Corps F-35B fighter jet crashed near a Southern California air base on Friday.The crash near San Diego's Miramar Air Base at around 10 a.m. local time has been classified as a "Class A mishap" by the US Marines. This designation represents the most severe accident category, typically involving damages over $2 million, aircraft destruction, or a service member's death.A Marine Corps statement did not include any details about the condition of the pilot, other than to say they ejected, were recovered and were being taken to a medical facility.Aerial footage showed a plume of black smoke rising from the wreckage in a dirt field, surrounded by military and firefighting vehicles, with white flame retardant covering the ground.A file photo of a U.S. Marine Corps F-35B fighter jet (Getty Images)A witness described seeing the crash while driving on nearby Interstate 15 and said the aircraft flew over the freeway with its cockpit open before going down in "a big fireball." They reported seeing a parachute, presumably carrying the ejected pilot, floating down toward the ground.The crash occurred near the flight line at the northern San Diego military station, according to 1st Lt. Blake Starbuck, a base spokesman.Candace Hadley, a spokesperson for San Diego Fire, confirmed firefighters responded to a vegetation fire near the crash site, referring further inquiries to Miramar. The F-35B is an advanced stealth fighter variant, known for its short take-off and vertical landing capabilities, operated by the Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force.