[Keflavik76]

The jet was left in autopilot mode when the pilot ejected from the aircraft, Jeremy Huggins, a spokesman at Joint Base Charleston, said. Authorities believed there was a possibility that it could have remained airborne for some time, though as of noon Monday they were certain it was no longer flying.

F-35 fighter jet missing after pilot ejects during 'mishap' (nbcnews.com)

[Right_in_Virginia]

The jet was left in autopilot mode Jeremy Huggins, a spokesman at Joint Base Charleston, said. Authorities believed there was a possibility that it could have remained airborne for some time

Then why eject?