A US Marine Corps F-35B fighter crashed after making contact with a KC-130J tanker during an air-to-air refueling evolution.
The crash occurred at approximately 16:00 local time, September 29, near Naval Air Facility El Centro, California.
The pilot of the F-35B ejected successfully and is currently being treated, a statement from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing said.
The KC-130J is on deck in the vicinity of Thermal Airport, Riverside County, California. All crew members of the KC-130J have been reported safe.
The service said the official cause of the crash is currently under investigation.
