US F-35, multimillion dollar jet goes missing after pilot ejects mid-flight

A US Marine Corps pilot had to eject from an F-35 jet, which has since been missing somewhere near Joint Base Charleston in South Carolina. Authorities also sought the public’s help after discovering the aircraft’s transponder was not working.

Explaining that the F-35s are known for their stealth, a spokesperson from the facility, added that the search is being concentrated near Lake Moultrie, located north of the base.

The pilot ejected and parachuted safely into a North Charleston neighbourhood at about 2 PM. He was taken to a local hospital, where he was in stable condition, said Major Melanie Salinas. The pilot’s name has not been released.

Also Watch: All 14 onboard dead as plane carrying tourists crashes in Brazil

A South Carolina Law Enforcement Division helicopter joined the search for the F-35 after some bad weather cleared in the area, Senior Master Sgt. Heather Stanton said.

(With AP inputs)