Flashlight damages $14M F-35 engine at Luke Air Force Base

GLENDALE, Ariz. - A flashlight left behind during maintenance work is responsible for damaging the engine of a $14 million F-35 at Luke Air Force Base, officials said.

According to a report from the Air Force Aircraft Investigation Board, the incident happened on March 15 last year.

The jet was undergoing some maintenance work and a three-member team failed to complete a tool kit inventory. When the jet's engine was restarted, the flashlight was ingested, causing damage "beyond repair."

"The Board President found by a preponderance of evidence that a handheld flashlight caused the damage to the aircraft," the report said.

No one was hurt during the incident.

Flashlight destroys $14M F-35 engine at Luke AFB

A flashlight left behind during maintenance work is responsible for damaging the engine of a $14 million F-35 at Luke Air Force Base last year, officials said.