A US Marine Corps F-35 fighter jet has gone missing in South Carolina following a mid-flight emergency. Fortunately, the pilot ejected safely, but the multimillion-dollar aircraft’s whereabouts remain unknown. US military officials are seeking assistance from the public in locating the missing plane.

Now that I got that out of the way. 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?

— Nancy Mace (@NancyMace) September 18, 2023

The incident occurred when the Marine Corps pilot ejected from the F-35 Lightning II jet over North Charleston after a “mishap.” Authorities from the Joint Base Charleston are conducting search operations in collaboration with federal aviation regulators, primarily around two lakes situated north of Charleston.

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The base has reached out to local residents for assistance and urged anyone with information to contact the Base Defense Operations Center.

We’re working with @MCASBeaufortSC to locate an F-35 that was involved in a mishap this afternoon. The pilot ejected safely. If you have any information that may help our recovery teams locate the F-35, please call the Base Defense Operations Center at 843-963-3600.

— Joint Base Charleston (@TeamCharleston) September 17, 2023

In response to the news, local congresswoman Nancy Mace expressed her astonishment on social media, questioning how an F-35 could be lost and emphasizing the need for tracking devices for such advanced aircraft.

Each F-35 fighter jet, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, carries a price tag of approximately $80 million.

US Pilot Ejected

A US pilot ejected safely from a fighter jet in South Carolina on Sunday afternoon, and the search for the missing aircraft has been concentrated on two lakes north of North Charleston, according to US military officials.

The pilot safely parachuted into a North Charleston neighborhood at approximately 2 pm local time. He was subsequently taken to a local hospital and is reportedly in stable condition. The pilot’s identity has not yet been disclosed.

Based on the missing plane’s location and flight path, the search for the F-35 Lightning II jet has been centered on Lake Moultrie and Lake Marion, both of which are situated north of North Charleston. A South Carolina Law Enforcement Division helicopter has joined the search effort after unfavorable weather conditions in the area cleared.

Military officials have made appeals on social media for public assistance in locating the missing aircraft.