Contractor Owned/Flown Mirage F1 Goes Down On Takeoff

A commercially owned and operated Mirage F1 aircraft has been involved in a fatal accident shortly after departure from Nellis Air Force Base, near Las Vegas, Nevada.

Provided to the US Air Force by Draken International, the aircraft's pilot, identified as 43-year-old Nicholas Hunter Hamilton was confirmed to have perished in the accident by the local coroner. The accident took place at approximately 1430, Monday, outside the southern edge of the base -- with the aircraft reportedly carrying the callsign of SNIPER01.

Draken reportedly operates over twenty of the aircraft type involved, in addition to several others in their inventory. The vehicle has an extensive pedigree... introduced as the Dassault Mirage F1 -- which flew some 54 years ago at the end of 1966. Many of these aircraft are used to perform simulated adversary roles for US allied military operations.

Draken, which provides a number of services to military organizations noted the accident by stating, “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. We are doing everything in our power to assist them in this time of need, and we are working closely with federal, state and local authorities. Draken US is also cooperating with investigating agencies to determine what led to this tragic accident.”

Little is known or has been confirmed as regards to the circumstances or potential causes of the accident.

Draken International is based in Lakeland Florida.

FMI: www.nellis.af.mil