An American F-35B Lightning II was being towed on the ground at the Kadena Air Base in Okinawa when its front wheel failed, causing the jet to take an embarrassing nose dive.
The failure happened on Thursday around 1:40 p.m. local time, according to Japanese news outlet NHK.
【嘉手納基地でＦ３５トラブルか】
沖縄のアメリカ軍嘉手納基地の誘導路で１日午後３時１０分すぎ、Ｆ３５ステルス戦闘機が機首を路面につけて止まっているのが確認されました。https://t.co/JFwmwzcKT2 pic.twitter.com/bqdXcqCCRG
— NHK沖縄さぁたぁちゃん (@okinawa_nhk) December 1, 2022
The pilot made a precautionary landing at Kadena Air Base after suspected electrical problems, according to the outlet. The Marine Corps is reportedly investigating the cause of the problems. No one was injured.
The 1st Marine Aircraft Wing said in a statement:
The pilot performed as trained and chose the safest option, landing the aircraft safely in accordance with standard procedures. While being towed the front landing gear malfunctioned causing the nose of the aircraft to touch the ground.
There are no injuries as a result of the landing gear malfunction, and a detailed investigation will be conducted.
Operating our aircraft safely and effectively is a top priority and our aviators take great precautions to ensure the safety of the aircrew and the surrounding areas.
1st MAW Press Release: F-35B Lightning II aircraft made a precautionary
landing at Kadena Air Base on 1 Dec.
See full press release here: https://t.co/rj7m0gZF3n@1stMAW_Marines— III MEF Marines (@IIIMEF) December 1, 2022
At the time of the incident, the F-35B had been flying standard training operations, according to Stars & Stripes.
The aircraft belongs to the 121st Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA-121).
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