A US Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II crashed after the pilot ejected, following a collision with a Marine KC-130J Hercules tanker during refueling in a military operations area (MOA) near the Naval Air Facility El Centro in California. The KC-130J landed in a field near the Jacqueline Cochran Airport in Thermal (KTRM), with the eight crewmembers on board reportedly safe and accounted for.
Hercules Tanker and F-35 Crews Safe After Mid-Air During Refueling
Key Takeaways:
- A US Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II crashed after colliding with a KC-130J Hercules tanker during air-to-air refueling near Naval Air Facility El Centro, California.
- The F-35B pilot ejected successfully and is currently receiving treatment.
- The KC-130J, despite sustaining damage including two engines out and a fuel leak, made an emergency landing with all eight crew members on board reportedly safe.
- The official cause of the collision is currently under investigation by the Marine Corps.
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