MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, California --
A Third Marine Aircraft Wing F/A-18C Hornet belonging to Marine Fighter Attack 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.
The Marine Corps officially confirmed the death of the pilot.
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 cause of the crash is still unknown. The incident is under investigation. The pilot's name will be released upon 24 hours after next of kin notification.
For additional information, please contact the MCAS Miramar Public Affairs Office at (858)577-6000 or follow our Twitter feed @MCASMiramarCA.