Breaking: An F-35B jet of the Royal Navy was down in the Mediterranean

According to the press office of the UK Ministry of Defence, a British F-35B pilot from HMS Queen Elizabeth ejected during routine flying operations in the Mediterranean this morning (17 Nov).

“The pilot has been safely returned to the ship and an investigation has begun, so it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time,” said Uk MoD on the official Twitter account.

The pilot was rescued on a Merlin search and rescue chopper and is safely onboard the aircraft carrier after the ejection.

The crash happened at 10 am U.K. time when HMS Queen Elizabeth was sailing in the Mediterranean conducting routine flight operations. The F-35B was one of 8 U.K. jets onboard the carrier, according to BBC News reporter Jonathan Beale.

Further information about the crush is expected to be revealed after the investigation, which is likely to focus on any potential technical fault or human error.

Check out Naval Library App to find out more about the specifications of the F-35B stealth fighters.