Fighter jet pilot found dead after crash near San Diego military base
A Marine pilot was found dead Friday morning after a fighter jet crashed on a remote part of a military air base in San Diego overnight, authorities said.
Search and rescue recovered the U.S. Marine Corps pilot, who was confirmed dead at the scene, the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing said in a statement.
The pilot was the only person aboard the two-seat F/A-18 Delta Hornet aircraft. Authorities did not release the identity of the Marine.
“With a heavy heart, our condolences go to the Marine’s family during this time,” the statement said.
The 2nd MAW declined to comment further on the incident, citing the ongoing investigation.
The F/A-18 Delta Hornet crashed east of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar at 11:54 p.m. Thursday, said First Lt. Jacoby Hawkins.
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It was not immediately clear what caused the crash, Hawkins said.
The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing is based out of Miramar, but the jet was not part of the base’s wing, Hawkins said. The jet, which was operating out of MCAS Miramar, was with the 2nd MAW.
According to the U.S. Marine Corps website, 2nd MAW’s mission is to “conduct air operations in support of the Marine Forces to include offensive air support, antiair warfare, assault support, aerial reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and control of aircraft and missiles.”
There were no signs of damage or destruction on the ground from the crash.
“It is an isolated incident,” Hawkins said.
Miramar staff are leading the investigation into the crash, Hawkins said.
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