A multimillion-dollar, state-of-the-art military jet made a safe landing in Montgomery after hitting a bird, an Alabama National Guard spokesman confirmed Wednesday.
The incident occurred Wednesday morning when the pilot of an advanced F-35 aircraft struck a bird while approaching the runway. According to ANG Public Affairs Director Mack Muzio, the pilot landed safely and there was no damage to the aircraft.
The F-35 is considered one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world.
The aircraft will undergo a standard evaluation process as a result of the bird strike, Muzio said, adding that there was no “urgency” to land the aircraft, but it is standard procedure to land the aircraft when such an incident occurs.
The 187th Fighter Wing received its first three F-35 Lightning II fighters at Dannelly Field in December. The 187th Fighter Wing plans to receive a total of 20 F-35s over the next five years.
