Marine KC-130 and F-35 collide in California

[Isa Khan]

A Marine Corps KC-130J and an F-35B collided into each other at roughly 4 p.m. Pacific Standard Time Tuesday while attempting an aerial refueling, causing the F-35B to crash, the Marine Corps confirmed.

The pilot of the F-35B safely ejected from the plane and currently is being treated for any injuries, 1st Lt. Brett Vannier said in a press release.

The KC-130J was able to safely land “in the vicinity of Thermal Airport, California and all crew members have been reported safe,” Vannier said.

The official cause of the crash is currently under investigation, he added.

This is breaking news and Marine Corps Times will update this story with new information as it is confirmed.

Marine KC-130 and F-35 collide in California

No fatalities have been reported yet after a Marine KC-130J and F-35B crashed into each other while attempting an aerial refueling.

www.marinecorpstimes.com

 

[Yoyo]

Well, it's either thanks to obvious "superiority" of the F-35 or the unmatched "flying skills" of USAF pilots.

 

[Test7]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1311343636773318659

 

[checksixx]

Well, it's either thanks to obvious "superiority" of the F-35 or the unmatched "flying skills" of USAF pilots.

There were no US Air Force aircraft involved. May want to take a reading comprehension class...

 

[Cabatli_TR]

KC-130J and an F-35B collided into each other

What kind of accident is this? How the F-35 could collide with a tanker plane while refueling ? The F35 pilot was an apprentice ?

 

[Test7]

i really wonder the cause of the crash. How did it cross the fuel pod and hit the engines? If there was a problem, why didn't he slow down or maneuver left and right? Really big questions. Better to wait for the accident report.

 

[Nilgiri]

What kind of accident is this? How the F-35 could collide with a tanker plane while refueling ? The F35 pilot was an apprentice ?

i really wonder the cause of the crash. How did it cross the fuel pod and hit the engines? If there was a problem, why didn't he slow down or maneuver left and right? Really big questions. Better to wait for the accident report.

There is information in the comments too.

 

[Nilgiri]

Following F-35B, KC-130J Collision Former USMC F-4 Pilot Tells Us About the Risks of Midair Refueling

We Talk to Retired U.S. Marine Corps Pilot John Trotti About Midair Refueling. “I'm not sure I'd characterize Air-to-Air refueling (AAR) itself as risky.

theaviationist.com

“I’m not sure I’d characterize Air-to-Air refueling (AAR) itself as risky. Rather, I always thought of it as requiring strict attention to the slight but significant changes taking place as you approach, engage, and then maintain position on the drogue.”

That’s what former USMC F-4 Phantom II pilot, combat veteran, author and Stanford graduate John Trotti told TheAviationist.com about midair refueling using the drogue and probe system employed by U.S. Marine Aircraft. Trotti’s remarks, both as a former USMC fighter pilot and perhaps more significantly even, as a subject matter expert and published author, are relevant to the discussion of this week’s loss of a USMC F-35B over the Coachella Valley in California.

(more at link)