Investigation Underway Into US F-35B Crash

A US F-35B stealth fighter crashes in South Carolina. (Picture Kensley Crosby)

An investigation is underway in the United States after an F-35 stealth fighter crashed near an air base in South Carolina.

The F-35B came down during a training mission five miles from Beaufort Marine Corps Air Station at around midnight local time.

The pilot ejected safely and is reported to be in a stable condition.

There are no reports of civilian injuries.

Footage believed to be of the incident has been uploaded to a social media account that covers aviation news.

Smoke can be seen rising from the site in the video which is said to be showing the scene one hour after the crash. 

It's the first time an F-35 has crashed since the aircraft became operational in 2006.

The incident also marked the first time a pilot has ejected from an F-35B.

The F-35B is a short take-off/vertical landing version of the three variants of the F-35, which also include the F-35A conventional take-off and landing version, and the F-35C, which is used aboard aircraft carriers.

Earlier this week the US announced that an F-35B was used in combat for the first time against the Taliban in Afghanistan, after taking off from an amphibious assault ship in the Arabian Sea.