F/A-18 Went Down Shortly After Takeoff In A Rural Area North Of London

A U.S. Marine Corps pilot has been fatally injured in an accident Wednesday in eastern England.

The U.S. Embassy in London confirmed the fatality in a tweet. "Sadly, we can now confirm that the pilot of the crashed F-18 has died," the message said. The pilot has not been identified.

In a news release, the Marine Corps said 3rd 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 5:30 a.m. (EDT), today.

The Marine Corps officially confirmed the death of the pilot, but it is unknown at this time if the pilot ejected from the single-seat aircraft.

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 United Kingdom Coast Guard is currently on the scene of the crash site and is in close coordination with U.S. military officials.

"Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the pilot. The cause of the crash is still unknown," the release said.

(Image provided with USMC news release. Not accident aircraft)

FMI: www.marines.mil