Marine Corps cites pilot error in F-35 crash in 2023

The United States Marine Corps completed its investigation into the 2023 F-35B crash in Williamsburg County last year, attributing the incident primarily to pilot error.

According to the report released Thursday, multiple system failures occurred when the pilot attempted to land in heavy rain at Joint Base Charleston. After losing his helmet display and other critical systems, he ejected from a height of 1,900 feet and landed in a resident's backyard. The F-35B continued flying unmanned for 64 miles before crashing. No one was injured in the crash, but the $100 million aircraft was completely destroyed.

Investigators said: “The pilot misdiagnosed an out-of-control aviation emergency and crashed from a flyable aircraft, albeit during a heavy rainstorm associated with aircraft electrical and display malfunctions.”

While the pilot had extensive experience with the AV-8B Harrier jet, the report noted that he was considered a “relative newcomer” to the F-35B. Additionally, the report noted that the plane's transponder failed due to electrical interference and its stealth made it difficult to locate during the nearly 30-hour search.