Crashed Marine jet from SD air wing

Pilot from another unit died training at TOPGUN, in loaner jet

By Gretel C. Kovach12:14 p.m.March 3, 2014

The F/A-18C Hornet jet that crashed Saturday during a training flight in western Nevada was on loan from the San Diego-based 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine officials confirmed. The pilot who died in the incident 70 miles east of Naval Air Station Fallon, however, was from a different unit.

The jet training at the “TOPGUN” Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center was destroyed by the crash in a remote, mountainous area, Navy officials reported. It was not carrying weapons or munitions during the flight.

The identity and squadron of the pilot are being withheld pending notification of family. No other injuries or damage from the crash were reported. The cause is under investigation.

The Navy, which primarily flies F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, had announced incorrectly over the weekend that the jet was one of its Hornets.