F-35 crash Albuquerque

[Zaphod58]

The aircraft was an TR2 aircraft, that was accepted last September. It went back into the factory to have test instrumentation installed, and was being flown by an Air Force pilot working for the DCMA. He was offered a quick climb, but told them he promised guys on the ramp he'd do a short take off.  Based on the pictures, there was a close to 90 degree crosswind on take off.  This marks the tenth crash of an F-35, and the 13th hull loss, although one aircraft that was written off is being taken apart and combined with another damaged aircraft to create a complete aircraft.