Before the shocking crash of an F-35 fighter jet earlier this year, a U.S. Air Force pilot engaged in an intense and prolonged 50-minute midair conference call with engineers from Lockheed Martin, the jet’s manufacturer. This rare glimpse into high-stakes aerial troubleshooting happened shortly after takeoff from the Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska. The pilot was dealing with a critical malfunction where freezing temperatures caused water contamination in the aircraft’s hydraulic system, freezing the landing gear and preventing proper extension. This malfunction was the precursor that ultimately led to the jet’s crash and explosion, though thankfully the pilot managed to eject safely.

During the airborne call, which involved several engineers and an on-duty supervisor, the pilot attempted various maneuvers to remedy the malfunction. Among these efforts were multiple touch-and-go landings designed to dislodge the ice and realign the landing gear, but the problem persisted. A critical moment occurred when the jet’s "Weight on Wheels" sensors erroneously indicated that the plane had landed due to the malfunctioning struts. This caused the aircraft’s flight control system to switch to a ground mode, rendering it uncontrollable in flight and forcing the pilot to eject to safety. The incident highlights the technological complexity and vulnerabilities in advanced aircraft like the F-35, where ice in the hydraulic fluid caused cascading failures.

Investigators later determined that water-contaminated hydraulic fluid in the landing gear struts was to blame for the crash. This was not an isolated incident; a similar hydraulic failure occurred just days later in another F-35 at the same base, though that aircraft managed a safe landing. The findings have raised concerns about maintenance procedures and oversight at the base, noting lapses in handling hazardous materials and following correct hydraulic servicing protocols. The issue underscores the challenge of maintaining advanced, high-cost military equipment in extremely cold environments, where tiny contaminants can lead to catastrophic failures.

The crash and the subsequent investigation shed light on the intricate communication and decision-making processes required when high-technology military aircraft face in-flight emergencies. The pilot’s long midair consultation with engineers almost resembled an Apollo 13-style crisis management scenario, demonstrating the critical role of collaboration between pilots and ground-based experts. Such communication, while crucial for troubleshooting, also illustrates the pressure pilots face to manage technology that is both state-of-the-art and extraordinarily sensitive to environmental factors.

During the airborne call, the pilot and engineers worked tirelessly through various troubleshooting steps, including attempting multiple touch-and-go landings to try to free the frozen landing gear. However, a sensor malfunction caused the aircraft’s flight control system to mistakenly think it had already landed, switching to ground mode and making the jet uncontrollable in flight. This critical sensor error forced the pilot’s hand to eject, preventing a fatal outcome. The incident underscored the complex interplay of advanced technology, harsh environmental conditions, and pilot skill in modern military aviation.

An Air Force investigation later identified water-contaminated hydraulic fluid in the landing gear struts as the root cause of the failure. This incident was not isolated, as another similar hydraulic malfunction occurred days later on a different F-35 at the same base, although that pilot was able to land safely. The report pointed to maintenance lapses, poor oversight concerning hazardous materials, and inadequate adherence to servicing protocols for hydraulic fluids in extreme cold weather environments as contributing factors.

Ultimately, the pilot’s safe ejection prioritized human life over a costly aircraft worth nearly $200 million. This incident serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges involved in operating advanced fighter jets in severe climates and the tremendous skills needed by pilots and engineers alike to handle unexpected technical crises. It also points to an ongoing need for rigorous maintenance and improved safeguards against environmental hazards in military aviation.