Arrest reported over leaked footage of F-35 stealth jet crashing during take off from HMS Queen Elizabeth

AN ARREST has reportedly been made in connection with leaked video footage on social media of a £100m F-35 stealth jet crashing during take off from HMS Queen Elizabeth into the Mediterranean sea.

By Steve Deeks

Published 7th Dec 2021, 20:59 BST

Updated 7th Dec 2021, 21:07 BST

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As reported last month, the images showed the jet taking off before nose-diving into the sea as the pilot ejected from the craft. The incident was said to have taken place on November 17.

Now a sailor from the ship has been arrested following the released footage that was circulated without permission, according to UK Defence Journal.

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Investigators believe a rain cover was sucked into the F-35’s engine, causing the pilot to eject upon take off.

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The pilot was safely rescued and was taken to hospital for a routine medical check-up in Greece.

It was the first time any of the UK's fleet of 24 F-35 jets had crashed and the first crash for the aircraft carrier.

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