A temporary suspension of F-35 flight operations remains in effect at
Eglin AFB, Fla., following a fire on an F-35A on June 23. “In the
interest of safety, we’re going to continue the suspension,” 33rd Fighter Wing spokeswoman 1st Lt. Hope Cronin told Air
Force Magazine on Wednesday. On Monday, as an F-35A was preparing to
take off, a fire broke out in the back end of the aircraft. The pilot
escaped the airplane injury-free. "We take all ground emergencies
seriously," said Navy Capt. Paul Haas, 33rd Fighter Wing vice commander,
at the time. "In this case, the pilot followed the appropriate
procedures which allowed for the safe abort of the mission, engine
shutdown, and egress.” The fire’s cause is under investigation.
