An F-35 fighter jet crashed near a Marine Corps base in San Diego, California, on Friday, causing a small fire at the scene. The pilot successfully ejected before the crash and was rescued and taken to a hospital for treatment, according to a US Marine Corps spokesperson. The incident occurred near Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.

The cause of the crash was not immediately known. Aerial photographs showed the smoking fighter jet in an open field, with firefighting and rescue teams operating at the site. Videos circulating on social media also showed black smoke coming from the aircraft as firefighters worked to bring the fire under control.

The injured pilot is a member of Marine Aircraft Group-11, Third Marine Aircraft Wing, though the Marine Corps did not release the pilot's identity. Miramar, about 10 miles north of San Diego, is the headquarters of the Third Marine Aircraft Wing and employs more than 15,000 Marines, naval personnel and civilian staff. An F/A-18 Hornet crashed near the same base in 2023, killing pilot Major Andrew Mettler despite his ejection.