US Navy Fighter Jet Pilot Dies After Military Plane Crashes Near San Diego Base

A U.S. Marine Corps Pilot was confirmed dead by authorities after his fighter jet crashed close to the Marine Corps Air Station in Miramar, California. Per reports, he was the only individual on the F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet that crashed on the night of Thursday.

Video Credits: CBS 8 San Diego ( Youtube) 

His body was recovered after a joint search and rescue effort by the U.S. Coast Guard and San Diego’s Fire Rescue Department officials.

Around 11:30 a.m. local time, the U.S. Marine Corps released a statement that declared his death at the site of the accident.

It was also mentioned that the marine’s identity will not be revealed to the public until 24 hours after all the family and friends have been informed of the same, per the standard protocol.

The crash occurred before midnight on the property of the U.S. government, although no damages have been reported at the site.

The military jet was not a part of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing based in Miramar but was operating out of its base. An investigation into the matter has been opened.

MCAS Miramar is home to more than 12,000 sailors, marines and civilians. The base lies around 10 miles north of San Diego.

F/A-18 is the country’s first all-weather combat aircraft employed by the U.S. Navy, also said to be “the workhorse of Marine Corps tactical aviation,” per the Naval Air Systems Command.

References: cbsnews, ndtv

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