F-35B fighter jet crashes near Albuquerque International Port

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Crews responded to an Air Force fighter jet crash near University and Rio Bravo Tuesday afternoon.

Lockheed Martin has confirmed that an F-35B fighter jet crashed just south of the Albuquerque International Solar Port after a refueling stop at Kirtland Air Force Base. He was traveling from Fort Worth, Texas, to Edwards Air Force Base in California.

The pilot – who ejected before impact – is recovering at UNM Hospital.

The fighter jet crashed and caught fire shortly before 2 p.m. Tuesday. Firefighters from Albuquerque Fire Rescue and Bernalillo County battled the blaze, but they needed help from Kirtland Air Force Base.

“We carry 500 gallons of water on our rig and our small foam tanks, but that's no match for a jet fuel fire of this magnitude,” said Lt. Jason Fejer of the AFR.

Investigators are still looking into the causes of the accident.

Firefighters had the scene under control within a few hours, but the cleanup process will take longer. According to AFR, the university between Rio Bravo and Mesa del Sol will be closed all night and most of Wednesday while crews remove debris.

UPDATE: The Rio Bravo and University area will be closed and drivers should avoid this area for the next 24 hours.

– ABQ Sunport (@ABQSunport) May 28, 2024