USAF F-35A SUFFERS GROUND MISHAP AT EGLIN AFB

USAF F-35A suffers ground mishap at Eglin AFB.

An USAF F-35A Lightning II, assigned to the 58th Fighter Squadron, experienced a ground mishap on August 22, 2018 at approx. 12:50 PM LT on the flightline at Eglin AFB.

The F-35A experienced an in-flight emergency and returned to base. The aircraft landed safely and parked when the front nose gear collapsed. There was one person on board. Fire crews responded immediately and the pilot suffered no injuries as a result of the incident.

An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the mishap is underway.

This is not the first time the F-35 has had a problem with its front gear. In 2017, U.S. Navy F-35C pilots complained about a strong vertical movement of the front gear while the aircraft was launched by the catapult. The problem was so serious that the pilots said they could not read the instruments during take-off. A number of pilots also said they felt pain from the movement.

Written by Matteo Sanzani

Photo credit: Daily News