Thunderbirds pilot dies in F-16 crash at Nellis Air Force Base outside Las Vegas
 

Thunderbirds pilot dies in F-16 crash at Nellis Air Force Base outside Las Vegas
By Lucas Tomlinson | Fox News 4-5-18
RE: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2018/04/05...las-vegas.html

A U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds pilot died Wednesday when his F-16 jet crashed at Nellis Air Force Base outside Las Vegas, defense officials told Fox News.

It was the third crash in the past two years involving a member of the famed Air Force flight demonstration team. The Air Force said an investigation was underway and the pilot was not identified.

Posted Report By: Nellis AFB Nevada @NellisAFB

An Air Force F-16 assigned to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, crashed at approximately 10:30 am during routine training on the Nevada Test and Training Range. The condition of the pilot is unknown at this time. Emergency responders are on the scene. As soon as additional details.. 3:34 PM - Apr 4, 2018

“A U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds pilot was killed when his F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed over the Nevada Test and Training Range today at approximately 10:30 a.m. during a routine aerial demonstration training flight,” a statement said.

The crash also was the third of a U.S. military aircraft since Tuesday. A Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter crashed during exercises along the U.S.-Mexico border in California that day, killing four crew members.

Also Tuesday, a Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier jet crashed in the East African nation of Djibouti during a training exercise. The pilot ejected and was said to be in "stable condition."

The number of American service members killed in non-combat aviation crashes has risen sharply in recent years, as there were 37 deaths in 2017, compared to 19 in 2016, a 95 percent increase, Fox News has discovered.