The US military is reaching out to the public for assistance in locating a missing plane following a pilot’s ejection from an F-35B Lightning II jet.
The incident, known as a “mishap,” forced an unnamed pilot to eject from the aircraft. This particular jet, valued at approximately $135.8 million, is one of the most expensive assets in the US military’s arsenal. The incident occurred near Joint Base Charleston on Sunday.
The pilot successfully ejected from the plane and was discovered near South Kenwood Drive in North Charleston. They were promptly transported to a local medical center and are currently in stable condition, as reported by local outlet News 2. The United States Marine Corps has stated that an investigation into the mishap will be conducted, according to Insider.
Although it may appear to be a significant blunder to misplace such a formidable weapon, the US has experienced more severe losses in the past. According to official records, there have been six nuclear weapons lost by various branches of the military. One of these weapons is also believed to be in North Carolina after a B-52 bomber carrying it suffered wing failure, resulting in both pilots ejecting. Since its disappearance in 1961, the bomb has yet to be recovered.
