Tiny Bird Takes Down Most Expensive Fighter Jet Ever Built

When a Bird Meets an F-35B

Even the most advanced aircraft, like the F-35B, can face serious issues from something as small as a bird.

While hovering above the HMS Queen Elizabeth, an F-35B had an unwelcome encounter—a bird was sucked into its intake fan. Though the aircraft remained operational, it was immediately grounded for inspection.

To assess the damage, a technician crawled into the intake to examine the engine. Fortunately, no visible damage was found, but given the F-35’s steep cost, no chances were taken.

Bird strikes are a constant hazard, especially for ships at sea, but avoiding them entirely is nearly impossible. The lesson? Don’t feed the birds—they might just return the favor in the worst way possible..