News Summary

An investigation into the crash of an F-35B fighter jet in South Carolina highlighted a combination of pilot error and severe weather conditions. On September 17, 2023, pilot Col. Charles ‘Tre’ Del Pizzo ejected from the aircraft after experiencing electrical failures and spatial disorientation during a storm. The unmanned jet continued to fly for 11 minutes before crashing, leading to a costly recovery operation. This incident marks significant concerns surrounding the advanced F-35B’s safety and operational protocols.

South Carolina’s F-35B Crash Investigation: Pilot Error in a Stormy Skies Saga

In a gripping twist in the skies over South Carolina, an F-35B fighter jet came crashing down on September 17, 2023, after its seasoned pilot, Col. Charles “Tre” Del Pizzo, faced a tempest of technical troubles and adverse weather. While the investigation has unfurled a sobering tale, it serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of flying advanced military aircraft.

Technical Troubles and Bad Weather

On that fateful day, the skies opened up with heavy rain, turning the cockpit into a challenging environment. Col. Del Pizzo, boasting an impressive 27 years of active service and plenty of experience flying the AV-8B Harrier, was still somewhat of a newcomer to the F-35B. As he began preparations for landing during the storm, his helmet display went dark not once, but three times. With the cockpit now steeped in confusion, the pilot became spatially disoriented, unable to trust any of his instruments.

A Series of Unfortunate Events

In a harrowing turn of events, major communication systems began to fail, including radios and the transponder. With no visible horizon to guide him in the lottery of airspace, Del Pizzo mistakenly believed that his aircraft was out of control. In a critical moment of panic, he chose to eject, overlooking the fact that the jet was still technically flyable.

Unmanned Flight and Final Crash

After ejecting, the F-35B continued to soar through the clouds—unmanned—for over 11 minutes, traveling an astonishing 60 miles before finally crashing in rural Williamsburg County. It was a remarkable sight as the jet, with its advanced stealth technology, became a mystery to those on the ground.

Costly Cleanup and Recovery

Recovery teams took nearly a month to locate and retrieve the wreckage, incurring a whopping cost of over $2.1 million. Given the plane’s high-tech design aimed at avoiding detection, authorities met significant challenges in pinpointing its location after the crash.

Complicating Factors: Weather and Electrical Failures

The investigation determined that an “electrical event” was largely responsible for the series of system failures experienced by Del Pizzo. Despite this, it was clear that key factors, including the severe weather and the pilot’s subsequent misjudgment, played a pivotal role in the ultimate demise of the aircraft.

Commotion on the Ground

Del Pizzo’s descent by parachute landed him in a residential backyard in North Charleston, where he promptly called for emergency assistance. As rescue teams swung into action, the pilot’s command was under scrutiny, especially after his recent relief from command at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma just three months earlier.

Public Reaction and Concerns

In the days that followed, chatter and memes surrounding the incident lit up social media, reflecting a mix of curiosity and concern among the public. This crash marked the 11th F-35 incident since 2018, raising eyebrows and questions about McB’s flagship aircraft. The low visibility of the stealth technology, while beneficial during operations, proved to be a significant obstacle in search and recovery efforts after the jet went missing.

A Lesson Learned

As the dust settles on this harrowing tale of the skies, the investigation ultimately points to pilot error. Yet, it does not dismiss the dire factors of electrical malfunction and severe weather conditions that compounded the situation. The lessons learned here will hopefully enhance training and improve future safety measures in an age where the stakes in aviation have never been higher.

In the wake of the investigation, the Marine Corps aims to tighten its protocols, ensuring that pilots are as prepared as possible for any storm—literal or metaphorical—that might come their way.

South Carolina’s F-35B Crash Investigation: Pilot Error Revealed