US military F/A-18 fighter aircraft crashes near San Diego, pilot status 'unknown'

A United States (US) F/A-18 fighter aircraft has crashed at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego. However, the status of the pilot remains uncertain at this time, reported BNO news.

The incident occurred on late Thursday night, shortly before midnight, as the military jet went down in a secluded section of the base, approximately 14 miles to the north of downtown San Diego.

Aircraft is not part of 3rd Marine Aircraft

While the aircraft has been located, there is currently no immediate information available regarding the status of the sole individual on board, who happens to be the pilot. Reports from local media indicate that a search for the pilot is ongoing using a helicopter early Friday.

“We are aware of an accident involving an F/A-18 Hornet in the vicinity of MCAS Miramar at 11:54 P.M. PST,” the base said in a statement. “This aircraft is not part of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing but was operating out of MCAS Miramar.”

The statement added: “The crash site is on government property east of the air station and there are no indications of damage to property on the ground. Search and rescue actions are ongoing.”

The precise cause of the crash, which transpired during a training flight, has yet to be determined.