Pilot Error Blamed for Missing F-35 Jet and Ejection Incident in North Charleston
Pilot Col. Charles “Tre” Del Pizzo ejected from an operational F-35B stealth fighter jet when he became disoriented due to multiple system failures during a storm, according to a Marine Corps investigation. The aircraft’s radios, transponder, air navigation system, and helmet-mounted display began to fail due to an “electrical event”. The investigation found Del Pizzo’s decision to eject was “ultimately inappropriate,” as other instruments remained partially operational. Although he lost his command post in Arizona as a result of the incident, no punitive action was taken against Del Pizzo. The mishap occured over a year ago, and the report’s delay has sparked concerns about potential systemic issues with the aircraft.
John Q. Hosedrinker