A pilot has been rushed to the hospital after a US Marine Corps F-35B fighter jet crashed near a Southern California air base on Friday.

The crash near San Diego's Miramar Air Base has been classified as a "Class A mishap" by the US Marines. This designation represents the most severe accident category, typically involving damages over $2 million, aircraft destruction, or a service member's death.

A Marine Corps statement did not include any details about the condition of the pilot, other than to say they ejected, were recovered and were being taken to a medical facility.

Aerial footage showed a plume of black smoke rising from the wreckage in a dirt field, surrounded by military and firefighting vehicles, with white flame retardant covering the ground.

Candace Hadley, a spokesperson for San Diego Fire, confirmed firefighters responded to a vegetation fire near the crash site, referring further inquiries to Miramar.

The F-35B is an advanced stealth fighter variant, known for its short take-off and vertical landing capabilities, operated by the Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force.