Flashlight damages $14 million F-35 fighter jet engine beyond repair, report says

GLENDALE, Ariz. (KPHO/Gray News) - Officials say a flashlight is responsible for causing irreparable damage to a multimillion-dollar military jet.

According to a report by the Air Force Aircraft Accident Investigation Board, the incident happened on March 15, 2023, while a F-35 was undergoing maintenance work at Luke Air Force Base.

The report states a three-member maintenance team removed a panel and inserted a metering plug into an engine fuel line. They prepared the aircraft for an engine run to test the installed metering plug for fuel leaks.

The engine run was reportedly completed without a problem, but the damage was found after the engine was shut down following the engine test.

The board’s president said that there was a preponderance of evidence that a handheld flashlight caused damage that cannot be repaired to the $14 million aircraft engine.

According to Air Force officials, each member of the maintenance team was current and qualified to accomplish all the tasks.

However, officials said an incomplete tool kit inventory along with a failure to comply with Joint-Service Technical Data guidance before starting the jet’s engine resulted in damage to the plane.