BREAKING: Debris found in South Carolina amid search for missing F-35

A debris field has been found in the area of Indiantown, in Williamsburg County, South Carolina amid officials’ search for an F-35 military jet that went missing on Sunday. 

According to News 2 NBC, officials with Joint Base Charleston confirmed the discovery on Monday evening.

The search for the missing $80 million jet began on Sunday after a pilot ejected from the plane and was found on South Kenwood Drive in North Charleston. The pilot was transferred to a local medical center and is in table condition.

Joint Base Charleston called the incident a “mishap,” with the missing F-35B Lightning II jet coming from Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.

“Members of the community should avoid the area as the recovery team secures the debris field,” a statement from Joint Base Charleston reads. “The mishap is currently under investigation, and we are unable to provide additional details to preserve the integrity of the investigative process. We would like to thank all of our mission partners, as well as local, county, and state authorities, for their dedication and support throughout the search and as we transition to the recovery phase.”

Officials with Joint Base Charleston said they are transferring incident commands to the US Marine Corps as they begin the recovery process of the plane.

Community members in the area told ABC 15 that they heard a low-flying plane, followed by a loud noise, on Sunday night.

The area of the debris was found around 80 miles northeast of Joint Base Charleston.

This is a breaking story and will be updated.

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