SAN DIEGO (KGTV) – The pilot of an F/A-18D Hornet fighter jet that crashed at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar late Thursday night was killed in the incident.
While details on the events that led to the crash were not released, military officials said in a statement that the pilot, a U.S. Marine, “has been confirmed deceased at the site.”
Officials added that the deceased pilot, the only occupant of the jet, was located by search and rescue teams.
The Marine pilot was part of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing based out of MCAS Cherry Point in North Carolina.
“With a heavy heart, our condolences go to the Marine’s family during this time,” officials stated.
MCAS Miramar officials said the jet crashed at around 11:54 p.m. Thursday near a runway. Officials added that the aircraft was “not part of [3rd Marine Aircraft Wing] but was operating out of” the base.
Military officials later confirmed the jet was part of the Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA (AW)) 224.
Following the reported crash, search and rescue efforts were launched for the pilot in the east area of the base.
It was not officially confirmed if the pilot ejected from the plane prior to it going down.
San Diego Fire-Rescue officials said a department crew on the ground and a helicopter were involved in the search at the crash scene.
