F-35 Fighter Jet Crash in Alaska Linked to Hydraulic System Icing

written by a member of the WCB

An F-35 fighter jet crash at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska earlier this year occurred after the pilot spent nearly an hour consulting with engineers while airborne, according to a newly released accident report. The January 28 incident, which was captured on video showing the $200 million aircraft plunging straight down and exploding, fortunately resulted in only minor injuries to the pilot who safely ejected.

Air Force investigators have determined that ice in the hydraulic lines of both the nose and main landing gears prevented proper deployment, ultimately causing the crash. After takeoff, the pilot encountered issues with the landing gear retraction system, leading to a 50-minute airborne conference call with five Lockheed Martin engineers.

The report indicates that the pilot attempted two "touch and go" landings to resolve the problem with the jammed nose gear. However, these attempts were unsuccessful and resulted in the aircraft's sensors incorrectly registering that it was on the ground. This triggered the jet's "automated ground-operation mode" while still in flight, making the aircraft "uncontrollable" and forcing the pilot to eject.

Post-crash inspection revealed approximately one-third of the hydraulic fluid in both the nose and right main landing gears was water, which should not have been present. Investigators noted that Lockheed Martin had issued guidance about this cold-weather problem in April 2024, about nine months before the incident occurred in temperatures of -1 degree Fahrenheit.

The Air Force Accident Investigation Board cited multiple contributing factors, including crew decision-making, inadequate oversight of the hydraulic fluid program, and improper aircraft hydraulics servicing procedures.