61st FS F-35 ground emergency at Mt. Home AFB

LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 56th Fighter Wing experienced a ground emergency at about 12:20 p.m. EDT Sept. 23 at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho.

The aircraft was preparing to conduct a training mission at Mountain Home AFB at the time of the incident. However, the pilot had to egress the aircraft during engine start due to a fire from the aft section of the aircraft. The fire was extinguished quickly. As a precautionary measure, four 61st Aircraft Maintenance Unit airmen, three airmen from the 366th Maintenance Group and the 61st Fighter Squadron pilot were transported to the base medical center for evaluation and have since been released.

Seven Luke F-35s are at Mountain Home Sept. 10-24 utilizing the base’s range for surface-to-air training.

The cause of the incident is under investigation. Additional details will be provided as available.

For more information, contact 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs, at (480) 619-1078.