A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B fighter jet crashed near Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in the San Diego area on Friday.
The pilot ejected before the aircraft struck the ground and survived.
The Marine Corps said the pilot suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a local medical facility for assessment and treatment.
The crash occurred near the air station's runway.
Emergency and fire crews were deployed to the scene to contain the fire.
San Diego Fire Department spokesperson Candace Hadley said the crash also ignited nearby brush.
Officials did not immediately disclose the cause of the crash.
The Marine Corps said it was investigating the incident.
The Marine Corps classified the event as a Class A mishap, its most serious accident category.
The F-35B is a variant designed for short takeoffs and vertical landings and is operated by the Marine Corps.