US military is asking public for help finding its missing $80 million jet
Niamh Shackleton
Featured Image Credit: Anadolu Agency / Contributor
Now we've all made mistakes at work, but imagine having to tell your boss you've misplaced a $80 million warplane...
Known as the F-35 Lightning Jet, the location of the aircraft currently remains unknown following a 'mishap' over the weekend.
A Marine Corps pilot was flying the plane on Sunday, September 17, when they safely ejected over North Charleston, South Carolina.
They parachuted down and was taken to hospital once on the ground around 2pm, with a spokesperson having since confirmed that the pilot, whose name has not been shared, is in a stable condition.
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Apparently information about the incident are 'limited', but it will be 'under investigation', a spokesperson told BBC News.
While the pilot is safely recovering in hospital, it's believed the fighter jet they were flying is somewhere not far from Charleston.
Recovery teams are currently searching for the warplane over Lake Moultrie and Lake Marion, but the US Military have called for people to come forward with information that may help assist in their efforts.
In a post on Facebook, Joint Base Charleston said: "Personnel from Joint Base Charleston and Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort(MCAS Beaufort SC)are responding to a mishap involving an F-35B Lightning II jet from Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron (VMFAT) 501 with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.
"The pilot ejected safely and was transferred to a local medical center in stable condition. Emergency response teams are still trying to locate the F-35.
"The public is asked to cooperate with military and civilian authorities as the effort continues.
"If you have any information that would assist the recovery teams, please call the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Public Affairs Office at 252-466-3827."
The missing jet is manufactured by Lockheed Martin. The company describes the F-35 as 'the most lethal, survivable and connected fighter jet in the world' - so it's probably not something you just want lying around.
In light of the military's appeal for help, many have questioned how it's possible for the air force to lose the expensive jet.
"How in the hell do you lose an F-35? How is there not a tracking device and we’re asking the public to what, find a jet and turn it in?” questioned congresswoman Nancy Mace.
Someone else said on Facebook: "How do you lose an F-35. Glad the pilot is safe, but how do we not know where the aircraft is?"
Echoing similar sentiments, a third person wrote: "How the hell do you lose an F-35? He ejected over N. Charleston. Maybe it crashed into Goose Creek Reservoir during heavy rain?"
In regards to its tracking device, it's said that the jet's transponder isn't working, making it more difficult for the military to locate the aircraft.