PACAF’s investigation found water-contaminated hydraulic fluid froze and caused a landing gear malfunction, leading to the loss of an F-35A at Eielson AFB.

An Accident Investigation Board (AIB) report released on Aug. 26, 2025, by the U.S. Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) has shed light on the circumstances that led to the loss of a U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II during a training mission at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, on Jan. 28, 2025. As we reported back then, the jet crashed within the fence line of the base, with a video showing the F-35 spinning towards the ground with its landing gear extended. Contents PACAF’s investigation found water-contaminated hydraulic fluid froze and caused a landing gear malfunction, leading to the loss of an F-35A at Eielson AFB. Takeoff and In

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