A Marine Corps F-35 fighter jet crashed in California after it clipped another plane during a mid-air refueling.
The mishap occurred at about 4 p.m. on Tuesday near the small community of Thermal, California, located in the southern part of the state, when the fighter’s wings made contact with a KC-130J while refueling. The pilot was able to eject from the plane and is being treated for his injuries. The KC-130J reportedly landed near a field.
“The KC-130J is on deck in the vicinity of Thermal Airport. All crew members of the KC-130J have been reported safe,” Marine Corps Air Station Yuma said in a Tuesday statement. “The official cause of the crash is currently under investigation. Updates will be provided as information becomes available.”
First Lt. Brett Vannier, spokesman for Marine Corps Air Station Yuma in Arizona, told Military.com that all of those involved in the incident are accounted for.
“There are some mild injuries that are being treated, but they are all safe,” Vannier said.
Both of the planes were stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, according to KVIA.
