The aircraft has disappeared at around 19.27LT. The status of the aircraft and its pilot is unknown.
According to several Japanese media outlets, an F-35A Lightning II belonging to the Japan Air Self Defense Force is currently reported as missing during a mission over the Pacific Ocean.
The F-35 launched from Misawa Air Base, in Aomori Prefecture, in the norther part of the country. Misawa is the home of the 302 Hikotai (Squadron), the unit previously operating the F-4EJ “Kaiâ€, that has officially moved to Misawa air base to operate the JASDF F-35A 5th generation aircraft after retiring its last Phatom on Mar. 26, 2019.
According to the JASDF, the aircraft had taken off from about 7 minutes, as part of a 4-ship formation, when it disappered on Apr. 9, at 7:27PM LT on the Pacific Ocean about 135 km east of Misawa.
Japan Maritime Self Defense Force search and rescue vessels have been dispatched to the area where the aircraft disappeared.
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https://theaviationist.com/2019/04/09/japanese-f-35-lightning-ii-stealth-aircraft-reported-missing-over-the-pacific-ocean/Initial reports were a bit nebuluous, but it now appears to be confirmed. Prayers for the pilot and his family that he's found safe.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/wreckage-confirmed-to-be-from-crashed-japanese-f-35-fighter/ar-BBVMrfP?li=BBnb7KzSo far, Pratt & Whitney is responsible for both losses of F-35 aircraft up to this point. The loss of an USAF aircraft at Eglin some years ago while on takeoff roll that was written off as a complete loss due to the extensive damage sustained and the recent loss of the USMC aircraft. Based on the circumstances of this crash, it will be very difficult to ascertain the cause.
