A U.S. Navy F-35 fighter jet crashed on Wednesday in central California near the "Lemoore" naval air station.

CNN reports this based on a statement from the Navy.

The pilot managed to safely eject, and an investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Footage from KFSN captured flames and thick black smoke rising from the crash site, located about 64 kilometers southwest of Fresno.

According to the Fresno County sheriff, local ambulance crews arrived at the scene to assist the pilot, along with the California fire department.

The Navy stated that the aircraft belongs to the strike fighter squadron VF-125, known as the Rough Raiders, which is responsible for training pilots and crews.

The downed F-35C is one of three variants of the F-35 Lightning II designed for use on U.S. aircraft carriers, while the U.S. Air Force operates the F-35A, and the Marine Corps uses the F-35B, which is capable of short takeoff and vertical landing.

The fifth-generation F-35 fighter is considered one of the most advanced combat aircraft globally, thanks to its radar stealth and combat capabilities. It is produced by the American company Lockheed Martin with the involvement of over 17 countries, reports CNN.