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A former Royal Navy engineer claims his hearing was permanently damaged when an American-made fighter jet landed near him on an aircraft carrier deck, and he is now taking legal action against the Ministry of Defence for £500,000.

In June 2021, Harry Jefferson was aboard the HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier, refueling a Merlin helicopter, when a supersonic F-35 stealth fighter touched down mere meters from him.

Despite his attempt to look away, Mr. Jefferson, 27, was subjected to high levels of noise and heat when the vertical-landing jet landed.

Due to lasting hearing impairment, the engineer left the Navy and is now taking legal action against the MoD over the loss of his military career.

A colleague who was working with him on that day, Reece Colwell, 25, is also filing a lawsuit, although his claim is anticipated to be much smaller since the incident did not terminate his career.

Their legal representatives claim they should have been instructed to remain indoors or in a secure location as the Mach 1.6 (1,220mph) single-pilot fighter approached for landing.

The Ministry of Defence has acknowledged a failure in duty, as the two individuals should not have been operating so near to the landing aircraft, but it plans to contest the amount of compensation during a trial at Central London County Court.

During a pre-trial hearing, barrister Stuart McCracken informed Judge Jane Evans-Gordon that because Mr. Jefferson lost his career at a young age, his case might be valued at over £500,000.

At the moment of the injury, the sailor was aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth, the flagship of the Royal Navy’s supercarriers, which are the biggest and most advanced warships constructed for Britain, able to carry as many as 72 aircraft.

One example is the Lockheed Martin F-35, an American-designed aircraft referred to as the Lightning II, which utilizes a brief ‘ski jump’ ramp for takeoff but has the capability to land in a vertical manner.

To land, the F-35 directs its engine downward for hovering and is kept steady by a big fan located behind the cockpit, which draws air from above and pushes it beneath the aircraft.

As per legal documents, Mr. Jefferson, from Gosport, Hampshire, and Mr. Colwell, from Taverham, Norfolk—both air engineering technicians—were collaborating in June 2021 when the aircraft touched down.

The men, equipped with ear protection and foam earplugs, had begun refueling but relocated to a secure location because of an approaching F-35, only to be instructed to return to their tasks.

“They went back to the same part of the flight deck, connected the hose to the Merlin, and started refueling,” said Mr. McCracken.

While the Merlin was being refueled, the F-35 arrived at the HMS Queen Elizabeth…and started to land.

Its tailpipe was lowered and it was within a few meters of the claimants’ location. It was very loud and warm.

The F-35 came down just a few meters from them. The individuals tried to look away from the heat. They felt discomfort in their ears, tinnitus, and a shift in their hearing.

After the event, the men were contacted by a plane officer who claimed to have witnessed the occurrence and advised them to submit official reports.

Both individuals experienced hearing issues the next day, and each was later found to have ‘explosive ear trauma,’ according to the lawyer.

A “defence air safety occurrence report” indicated that they were subjected to a “high level of noise and heat,” resulting in their medical downgrade.

Both individuals experienced hearing loss, resulting in lasting tinnitus and challenges in understanding speech amidst background noise, the lawyer added.

Even though Mr. Colwell remained in the Navy, the court was informed that Mr. Jefferson believed he had to leave his naval career because of the effects of his persistent hearing issues.

In April 2022, he was officially classified as ‘medically limited deployable’ on a permanent basis, preventing him from continuing in his role as an air engineer technician.

The barrister stated, ‘He believed his chances for promotion were restricted,’ and mentioned that Mr. Jefferson subsequently ended his employment, referencing the effect on his career opportunities and dissatisfaction with the reduction and evaluation procedure.

His condition will remain permanent,” he continued. “He is seeking compensation for the loss of his pleasant position in the Royal Navy.

Mr. Colwell, however, remains in the Navy, which Mr. McCracken noted would likely result in his damages claim being significantly reduced once it is calculated.

In their statement, the individuals alleged that the MoD was negligent in allowing them to refuel the helicopter while the loud stealth fighter was landing.

At the hearing, Judge Evans-Gordon was informed that the MoD has acknowledged a failure in their responsibilities, although the amount of compensation will be contested during the trial, with Mr. Jefferson having already notified them of his intention to leave his position.

The legal fees for the case are expected to amount to approximately £326,000 for the two individuals and an additional £117,000 for the Ministry of Defence.

The matter will be brought back to court for a complete trial at a future time unless resolved without going to court.

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