Search on for a missing Marine Corps fighter jet in South Carolina after pilot safely ejects

The hunt is underway for a missing Marine Corps fighter jet in South Carolina after its pilot executed a safe ejection.

In North Charleston on Sunday afternoon, a Marine Corps pilot performed a secure ejection from a fighter jet. The endeavor to locate the missing aircraft has been concentrated on two lakes situated to the north of North Charleston, as affirmed by military authorities.

At approximately 2 p.m., the pilot executed the ejection and descended safely using a parachute into a North Charleston residential area. Maj. Melanie Salinas reported that he was subsequently transported to a local hospital, where he is presently in stable condition. The identity of the pilot has not yet been disclosed.

Senior Master Sgt. Heather Stanton, stationed at Joint Base Charleston, indicated that due to the plane’s last known location and flight path, the search for the F-35 Lightning II jet is currently centered on Lake Moultrie and Lake Marion, both of which lie to the north of North Charleston. Subsequent to the dispersal of inclement weather in the vicinity, a helicopter from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division has been added to the search efforts. Furthermore, military officials issued online appeals on Sunday, soliciting assistance from the general public in locating the missing aircraft.

Authorities are presently engaged in an inquiry to ascertain the reasons behind the pilot’s ejection.

It is noteworthy that the pilot of a second F-35 returned safely to Joint Base Charleston, as confirmed by Salinas.

These aircraft and their respective pilots are affiliated with the Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501, located near South Carolina’s Atlantic coast, in close proximity to Beaufort.

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More about Marine Corps fighter jet ejection incident

• Marine Corps Official Website: For official updates and information from the Marine Corps.
• South Carolina Law Enforcement Division: Information about the involvement of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division in the search operation.
• F-35 Lightning II: Information about the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet.
• Joint Base Charleston: For updates regarding the military base where the incident occurred.
• Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501: Information about the squadron involved in the incident and their base in Beaufort, South Carolina.