Landing mishap F-35C

On Monday 24 January 2022, a Lockheed Martin F-35C Lightning II operated by Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147 Argonauts ('NE-4xx') had a landing mishap on the deck of USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70).

According to a US Navy release, the pilot 'safely ejected' and is in stable condition. The F-35C was conducting routine flight operations in the South China Sea when the mishap occurred. However, seven sailors were injured, with three sent to a medical facility in Manila (Philippines).

The cause of the accident is under investigation. No details were provided on the status of the aircraft.

UPDATE: The F-35C was lost over the edge of the flight deck, US 7th Fleet stated on Tuesday 25 january. The pilot ejected and was recovered from the water by helicopter.

In August 2021, the Strike Fighter Squadron joined Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 aboard the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) on their first-ever forward deployment. The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group (CVCSG), led by Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1, deployed from her homeport San Diego (CA) on 2 August 2021 in support of global maritime security operations.

The Carl Vinson started dual-carrier operations with the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) in the South China Sea on Sunday 23 January 2022.

Photo by Jurgen van Toor