Debris found during search for missing F-35 fighter jet northeast of Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina; pilot ejects safely

North Charleston, South Carolina—— Authorities on Monday were searching near two South Carolina lakes for a military plane that apparently crashed after the pilot ejected safely over the weekend, saying they discovered a debris field.

Officials said the debris was found two hours northeast of Joint Base Charleston.

The pilot, whose name has not been released, parachuted to safety in the North Charleston community around 2 p.m. Sunday. He was taken to a hospital and was in stable condition, Marine Corps Maj. Melanie Salinas said Sunday.

corporal. Marine Airman Christian Cortez of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing said an F-35B Lightning II jet was involved in an incident and the search will continue Monday. He said exactly what happened was under investigation.

The search is focusing on Lake Moultrie and Lake Marion, said Senior Master Sgt. Heather Stanton of Joint Base Charleston. Both lakes are located north of North Charleston.

Stanton said a South Carolina Law Enforcement Division helicopter joined the search after weather cleared in the area. Military officials posted online on Sunday asking for the public’s help in locating the plane.

Salinas said the pilot of the second F-35 returned safely to Joint Base Charleston.

The aircraft and pilots are part of the Marine Corps’ 501st Fighter Attack Training Squadron, part of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, based in Beaufort, off the coast of South Carolina.