MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, California -- A Third Marine Aircraft Wing F/A-18C Hornet belonging to Marine Attack Fighter Squadron 232 stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar crashed in the vicinity of Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England at approximately 2:30 a.m. (PST), today.

As part of a mission returning from the Middle East, the aircraft was transiting from Bahrain to Miramar in a flight of six aircraft when it crashed approximately six miles northwest of the airfield. The remaining five F/A-18C's safely diverted to RAF Lossiemouth.

The incident is under investigation. The status of the pilot is still unknown. The cause of the crash is still unknown.

For additional information, please contact the MCAS Miramar Public Affairs Office at (858)864-3184 or follow our Twitter feed @MCASMiramarCA.