F-18 Crashes West of Lemoore

Hanford Sentinal ^ | 09/21/15 | Staff reports

[Mat_Helm]

An F/A-18 fighter jet aircraft has crashed west of Naval Air Station Lemoore.

The crash, which happened Monday, was north of Highway 198 in a dirt field just east of the Kings/Fresno county line, about two miles west of NASL, according to Adam Barresi, a spokesman for the California Highway Patrol.

The pilot reportedly ejected from the aircraft in mid-air, parachuted to the ground, landed and walked over to emergency responders on scene, according to Kings County Fire Chief Bill Lynch.

Lynch said the crash happened around 4 p.m.

The pilot's name wasn't immediately available.

The parachute was reported as being on the ground about 300-400 yards west of where the plane was resting on the ground.

Assistant Sheriff Dave Putnam said the Kings County Sheriff's Office is helping NASL to secure the crash site and assist with the base's investigation. Putnam said he could not provide any further details.

The last crash near NASL happened on April 6, 2011 when an F/A-18F Super Hornet crashed on private farmland just west of the base. The crash killed Navy pilot Lt. Matthew Ira Lowe and weapon systems officer Lt. Nathan Hollingsworth Williams, who were training for an upcoming air show.

An investigation revealed that the aviators crashed just nine seconds after beginning a maneuver called the loaded roll. The maneuver had been used for VFA-122 Tactical Demonstration (TACDEMO) team at air shows, but was removed from demonstration flights following the crash.

[cripplecreek]

The pilot reportedly ejected from the aircraft in mid-air, parachuted to the ground, landed and walked over to emergency responders on scene.

Also known as a successful landing.

[Lurkina.n.Learnin]

“The pilot reportedly ejected from the aircraft in mid-air”

That would seem to be the appropriate time to do it if you have to.

[Mat_Helm]

Went down close to the base in the flight pattern. Pilot safely ejected and NASL base fire crews responded to resulting fire. Plane was fairly intact on impact and burned.

[stanne]

Well. Seems to me he was asking if tge was anyone inconvenienced or worse.

So...

That’s the first thing they want to know flying over friendly skies

[doc1019]

ROFLMAO! Thanks, I needed that. ;-)

[yarddog]

I saw a super hornet pilot on TV recently. It may have been Jeopardy.

He sure thought it was a good airplane.

[Grams A]

The lights are on but nobody is home. Does anybody read anything before it is published any more? Good grief.

[mylife]

Gol durn Gremlins

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXk9R_iVSVQ

[mylife]

Gol durn Gremlins

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXk9R_iVSVQ

[stanne]

“The pilot reportedly ejected from the aircraft in mid-air”

‘That would seem to be the appropriate time to do it if you have to.’

Oh ok now I see that. Silly reporters

[Mat_Helm]

Hope it wasn't panic dyslexia where he had an engine fire and bitchin betty said fire left and he pressed the right fire button fuel cutoff switch and shutoff his good engine. Has happened multiple times. Always throttle back engine Betty is bitchin about and check EGT gauge and rated RPM for nozzle setting and fuel flow. Verify you still have flight control after throttling suspected engine back before deciding to shut it down first or press fire button on affected engine.

Worst case is uncontained compressor failure taking out both engines or uncontained fire affecting both and nothing left to do but alpha mike foxtrot and say goodbye icehole.

[NormsRevenge]

Some might call it Daybree.

Others. A lucky day.

[Chode]

newest member of the Martin Baker Fan Club

[batterycommander]

Sum Ting Wong was the pilot, er aviator?

[mcshot]

My thought exactly but thought I should read first. Parachuted in hangar no workee.

[mcshot]

Gas Monkey garage can have that back in the air in 20 moons.

[BobL]

I hope he’s wearing a respirator.