Fortunately all flight crews are safe. The F-35 is a loss and the KC-130J is slightly bent.
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Marine F-35B Crashes After Collision With KC-130 Over California; All Aircrew Recovered Safely
By: Sam LaGrone For USNI News
September 29, 2020 9:34 PM • Updated: September 29, 2020 11:03 PM
A Marine F-35B aircraft has crashed near Naval Air Facility El Centro, Calif., following an air collision with a KC-130J, defense officials confirmed to USNI News.
At approximately 4 p.m. local time, “it was reported that an F-35B made contact with a KC-130J during an air-to-air refueling evolution, resulting in the crash of the F-35B. The pilot of the F-35B ejected successfully and is currently being treated,” read a statement from Marine Corps spokesman Capt. Joseph Butterfield to USNI News. “The KC-130J is on deck in the vicinity of Thermal Airport. All crew members of the KC-130J have been reported safe.”
The KC-130, often used as an aerial refueler for Marine aviation, made an emergency landing near the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport in Therma, Calif., according to photos published by KESQ Channel 3.
In 2018, an F-35B went down outside of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in South Carolina. The pilot was recovered safely. In 2019, a Japanese F-35A crashed off the coast of Japan.
An F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 takes off during exercise Red Flag 16-3 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., July 20. This is the first time that the fifth generation fighter has participated in the multiservice air-to-air combat training exercise. US Marine Corps photo.
The following is the complete statement from the Marine Corps.
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION YUMA, Ariz. (Sep. 29, 2020) — At approximately 1600 it was reported that an F-35B made contact with a KC-130J during an air-to-air refueling evolution, resulting in the crash of the F-35B. The pilot of the F-35B ejected successfully and is currently being treated.
The KC-130J is on deck in the vicinity of Thermal Airport. All crew members of the KC-130J have been reported safe.
The official cause of the crash is currently under investigation. Updates will be provided as information becomes available.
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Posts: 22445 | Location: Occupying Little Minds Rent Free | Registered: 04 October 2012
Number 4 certainly seems to have had some trauma, and not seeing propeller tips on 3 probably made it even more exciting. Be interesting to hear more of the incident.
Seems that 130 pilot did a great job with what looks to have been a two engine emergency landing...
Posts: 403 | Location: Houston | Registered: 09 November 2004
Originally posted by Emory: Number 4 certainly seems to have had some trauma, and not seeing propeller tips on 3 probably made it even more exciting. Be interesting to hear more of the incident.
Seems that 130 pilot did a great job with what looks to have been a two engine emergency landing...
Yeah, two engines out, leaking fuel, horizontal stab damage and on fire to boot. I listened to the recording of the radio talk with the controller as it happened.
Perhaps the F-35 pilot over shot the tanker just a bit!
Roger ___________________________ I'm a trophy hunter - until something better comes along.
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Posts: 2819 | Location: Washington (wetside) | Registered: 08 February 2005
Apparently the C130 was heading into a MOA under momentary IFR conditions, so my guess is it was a midair collision because they just didn't see each other. Air traffic controller didn't call out traffic to the C-130 either. Maybe an ATC issue?
"Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading".
Originally posted by Opus1: Interestingly, Martin-Baker the manufacturer of the F-35 ejection system announced this was the 7,633rd life saved by their seats.
I can only envision that when it impacted the #1 prop it may have rolled over the top missing #2 but striking #3 and #4.
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Originally posted by bentaframe: DFC and a new Flight Suit. Great job! How did it hit # 1 prop and take out #4 engine. Bet there was a lot of vibration in the 130 cockpit
Posts: 3862 | Location: SC,USA | Registered: 07 March 2002
So, let's say the F35 driver overshot the 130 and all this is his fault. End of career?
My understanding is that all the services are pretty flush with pilots. It's not like the Vietnam era when they were beating the bushes for anyone who could pass the tests and learn to fly.
Would this guy be dumped for one accident, or is there some room for forgiveness?
114-R10David
Posts: 1753 | Location: Prescott, Az | Registered: 30 January 2007
F-86 overshot night intercept of B-47. Hit the B-47 wing damaging the aircraft and forcing the pilot to ditch the H-bomb in the sound. Fighter pilot ejected and survived. B-47 pilot got DFC for landing the crippled bomber.
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Originally posted by Opus1: Interesting question.
My guess is he would be ushered into the manned aerial target drone program.
Posts: 3862 | Location: SC,USA | Registered: 07 March 2002
