F-35 Crash | Now What?

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Edited by: Sidney McAlear

F-35 Crash

On January 28, 2025, an F-35 assigned to Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska experienced a crash during its landing phase. Fortunately, the pilot successfully ejected and is currently in stable condition at a local medical facility. The incident occurred around 12:49 PM local time, and while the aircraft sustained significant damage, no fatalities were reported.

The Air Force is convening a Safety Investigation Board (SIB) that typically has thirty days to identify the issues and cause of the mishap. Following the SIB, the Air Force will convene the Accident Investigation Board (AIB).

While the SIB and AIB both investigate mishaps to determine the cause, they are the same…but different.

Safety Investigation Boards

An SIB’s primary goal is to identify the cause of the malfunction and prevent similar incidents in the future. The information is privileged (think attorney-client privilege) and stays internal to the Air Force. The SIB is led by a board president and comprised of excerpts from all fields that might apply to the mishap: air traffic control, maintenance, a pilot, engineers, meteorologists, aircrew flight equipment, etc. If the accident involves a fatality, it must be led by a Flag officer. Mandated to deliver a report within 30 days to the convening authority (typically the MAJCOM commander).

The SIB’s purpose is to quickly implement changes, such as rewording checklist items or modifying procedures, to enhance safety.

Accident Investigation Boards

An AIB’s primary goal is to determine blame and provide a public report of the incident. The AIB’s board is made of a similar composition compared to an SIB. However, the ultimate intent is to provide accountability and a detailed explanation of the incident for public understanding. These boards could take 6-18 months.