Authorities discover debris amid hunt for missing F-35 stealth jet that was in 'zombie state'
Topics: US News
Stewart Perrie
Featured Image Credit: THEOPHILE BLOUDANIS/AFP via Getty Images. Yichuan Cao/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Topics: US News
Authorities have discovered a debris field amid their search for a missing F-35 stealth jet.
The $80 million aircraft went missing after the pilot ejected themselves and it kept flying in a 'zombie state'.
They parachuted down and was taken to hospital once on the ground around 2pm.
A spokesperson confirmed the pilot, whose name has not been shared, is in a stable condition.
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The US military asked for people to help them find it and it seems like the jet was pretty good at its stealth capabilities.
It was manufactured by Lockheed Martin and the company describes the F-35 as 'the most lethal, survivable and connected fighter jet in the world'.
It's definitely not the machine you would want to just casually go missing.
In a post on Facebook, Joint Base Charleston said: "Personnel from Joint Base Charleston and Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort(MCAS Beaufort SC)are responding to a mishap involving an F-35B Lightning II jet from Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron (VMFAT) 501 with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.
"The pilot ejected safely and was transferred to a local medical center in stable condition. Emergency response teams are still trying to locate the F-35.
"The public is asked to cooperate with military and civilian authorities as the effort continues.
"If you have any information that would assist the recovery teams, please call the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Public Affairs Office at 252-466-3827."
However, it seems like they have finally found it.
A huge debris field has been uncovered in the Indiantown area of Williamsburg County in South Carolina.
Authorities said in a statement: “Members of the community should avoid the area as the recovery team secures the debris fields.
"The mishap is currently under investigation, and we are unable to provide additional details to preserve the integrity of the investigative process.
"We would like to thank all of our mission partners, as well as local, county, and state authorities, for their dedication and support throughout the search and as we transition to the recovery phase.”