Tragic Crash at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Claims Marine Corps Pilot's Life: Investigation Underway to Uncover Cause
A Marine Corps pilot was tragically killed when his F/A-18D Hornet crashed near Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.
In a tragic incident near Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, a Marine Corps pilot was pronounced dead after his F/A-18D Hornet crashed late Thursday. The crash occurred at 11:54 p.m. and the pilot's body was recovered by searchers at the crash site, the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing confirmed in a statement from their headquarters in Cherry Point, North Carolina. The pilot, identified as part of Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224, was the only person on board the jet. The squadron is based at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina.
The Marine Corps has decided to withhold the identity of the pilot until 24 hours after all notifications have been made to the next of kin. The crash site, located on government property east of the air station, caused no damage to nearby properties. It is situated approximately 10 miles north of downtown San Diego and is primarily vacant land. Officials from MCAS Miramar clarified that although the aircraft was not part of their resident air wing, it was operating from the air station at the time of the incident.
The F/A-18 is a versatile combat aircraft utilized by the Marine Corps, the U.S. Navy, and several other nations. Additional information regarding the crash is currently unavailable. Marine Capt. Michael Scaccia, the director of communications at MCAS Miramar, stated in an email to The Associated Press that he had no further details to provide at this time. As the investigation continues, authorities will be working diligently to determine the cause of the crash and ensure the safety of military personnel.