US military search for missing F-35 warplane after ‘mishap’
The US military is searching for a missing F-35 warplane after its pilot ejected during a “mishap”.
Staff at a US Air Force base in South Carolina have called for the public’s help in locating the jet – or its remains.
The Marine Corps pilot safely ejected over North Charleston on Sunday afternoon – and was taken to hospital after parachuting to the ground.
Military spokesperson Major Melanie Salinas said he was in a stable condition.
Based on the missing plane’s location and trajectory, the search for the jet is focused two lakes north of the area.
In a post on Facebook, Joint Base Charleston said: “The public is asked to cooperate with military and civilian authorities as the effort continues.”
It described the incident as a “mishap” and called for anyone with information that could assist “recovery teams” in their search to get in touch.
Police helicopters took part in searches over Lake Moultrie and Lake Marion after bad weather cleared.
Officials are investigating why the pilot ejected.
The planes and pilots were with the Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 based in Beaufort, not far from South Carolina’s Atlantic coast.