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Yiiiikes. Looks like the Japanese media and avgeek community was aware of this for a while before the Air Force decided to comment. I asked whether losing a panel puts any tech at risk, and 18th Wing public affairs keeps dodging my question. Could be nbd, but just tell me!

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Tyler Rogoway

@Aviation_Intel

Dec 1, 2017

Somewhere there is a missing access panel that the USAF-and the free world for that matter-really needs back. twitter.com/satwoon_msdf17

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That panel is definitely a prize, hopefully it just sunk to the bottom. So much material sciences packed on one little slab. Good lesson for the program, especially before European operations spin up to a large degree.

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Looks like ground crew missed either all or some of the 10 locking pins.. my guess then, telescopic arm (A) extended in flight, panel act as a sail. Arm and hinges ripped off only leaving hinge B hanging. It happens..

3:27 AM · Dec 5, 2017

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(can't be all 10 pins btw.. I looked at a vid and that panel opens up instantly from telescopic arm pressure as soon as final pin is clicked open)

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on how stealth technology depends on good maintenance. Also confirms my theory of the F-35 as not being a plane, rather a collection of doors and hinges.