Statement on F-35 grounding

The technical air worthiness authorities of the Department of the Air Force and Department of the Navy have issued a directive to ground the F-35 fleet based on initial findings from the runway fire incident that occurred at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., on June 23. According to Pentagon press secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby, the root cause of the incident remains under investigation. Additional inspections of F-35 engines have been ordered, and return to flight will be determined based on inspection results and analysis of engineering data. Preparations continue for F-35 participation in international air shows in the United Kingdom, however a final decision will come early next week. (Source: DoD, 07/03/14) Previous: Source: All F-35s to be inspected; AF keeps limits on F-35 flights