Pilot dies after plane crash outside Nellis Air Force Base near Las Vegas
The pilot of a fighter jet that plunged into the backyard of a home near Nellis Air Force Base has died as a result of the fiery crash.
The identity of the pilot has not been released, and no other people were onboard the contractor-operated aircraft when it crashed into a residential neighborhood just outside Las Vegas.
The Dassault Aviation Mirage F-1 went down shortly after takeoff on Monday, around 2:30 p.m., according to a press release from Nellis Air force Base, which is also home to variety of jets, including F-16 Falcon and F-22 Raptor fighter jets and A-10 Warthhog attack jets, as well as the Thunderbirds demonstration team.
The aircraft was owned, operated and piloted by Draken US, a Florida-based company hired to provide “adversary air” support to Nellis Air Force Base. An anonymous official told ABC News the base often relies on contractor aircraft to fly training missions.
“Draken has received news of a downed aircraft out of Nellis AFB and the tragic loss of one of our pilots. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people and families affected by this event,” the company said in a statement.
“We are doing everything in our power to assist them in this time of need.”
Draken US said it is cooperating with local, state and federal investigative agencies to determine the cause of the deadly crash.
“The men and women of Team Nellis send our deepest condolences to the teammates, friends and family of our Draken wingman,” Nellis AFB said.
The incident remains under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board.
