US Navy Pilot Killed in Aircraft Crash

The Navy has determined that the U.S. military pilot whose aircraft crashed Saturday on a training flight for the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center at Naval Air Station (NAS) Fallon, Nev., was killed in the mishap. The crash of the F/A-18C aircraft occurred at approximately 3 p.m., PST, Saturday, on the Fallon Range Training Complex., approximately 70 miles east of NAS Fallon.

Reports from the scene indicate the aircraft is a total loss.

The Navy’s initial news release incorrectly identified the aircraft as a U.S. Navy Hornet but it was actually a U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18C on loan to the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center for use as a training aircraft.

There are no reports of any other injuries or property damage associated with the crash.

The aircraft was not carrying any weapons or other munitions on the training flight.

An investigation will be carried out to determine the cause of the crash.

In accordance with Department of Defense policy, the identity of the pilot will be withheld until 24 hours following notification of next of kin.

The Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center is the center of excellence for naval aviation training and tactics development. It provides service to aircrews, squadrons and air wings throughout the Navy through flight training, academic instructional classes, and direct operational and intelligence support.

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Press Release, March 3, 2014, 2014; Image: US Navy