This is the dramatic moment a pilot escaped an American fighter jet that crashed at an Air Force base in Alaska.

Footage shows the single-seater F-35 Lightning II aircraft spinning as it plummeted through the air and exploded in a fireball during a training exercise at the Eielson Air Force Base, at 12:49 pm on January 28.

The pilot had ejected himself from the jet and was seen descending on a parachute. The 354th Fighter Wing said he was taken to the Bassett Army Hospital for an evaluation.

Colonel Paul Townsend, commander of the 354th Fighter Wing, said the pilot experienced an 'inflight malfunction' during the flight.

He said in a statement: 'Our people are our most important resource, and we are committed in ensuring their safety and security.

'I can assure you the United States Air Force will conduct a thorough investigation into this incident to minimize the chances of such occurrences from happening again.'