A RAF Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II departed HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) has crashed into the Mediterranean sea this morning. The incident is believed to have happened during flying operations in international waters while the carrier was sailing in the Mediterranean, with no other aircraft involved.
It’s the first incident reported for the UK’s flagship aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed the crash in a statement, saying that “a British F35 pilot from HMS Queen Elizabeth ejected during routine flying operations in the Mediterranean this morning. The pilot has been safely returned to the ship and an investigation has begun, so it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”
The aircraft was one of eight UK Lightning II the Royal Navy’s flagship along with 10 USMC aircraft; aircraft as been on board for the flagship first operation tour which has lasted for the past seven months.