Posted on 08/01/2019 9:23:07 AM PDT by BenLurkin
Crews are searching for the pilot of a U.S. Navy fighter jet that crashed in Death Valley National Park, injuring seven people who were at a scenic overlook where aviation enthusiasts routinely watch military aircraft speeding low through a chasm dubbed Star Wars Canyon, officials said.
A search was underway for the pilot of the single-seat F/A-18 Super Hornet that was on a routine training mission...
The lookout point about 160 miles (257 kilometers) north of Los Angeles is popular with photographers and aviation buffs who gawk at jets flying in the steep, narrow canyon. Officials closed the area after the crash.
The chasm got its nickname because mineral-rich soil and red, gray and pink walls bring to mind the home planet of "Star Wars" character Luke Skywalker.
A jet that was following the downed craft pulled up and began circling, Cassell said. He didn't see any parachute.
His father drove up to the area after the crash and saw a large black scorch mark and shattered parts of the jet scattered throughout the area between the parking lot and lookout, Cassell said. A nose cone from the jet was the size of a bowling ball and the rest of the debris was no larger than a ball cap.
The jet was from strike fighter squadron VFA-151 stationed at Lemoore. The squadron is part of an air group attached to the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis.
(Excerpt) Read more at ktla.com ...
Cuttin’ it a little close there, ay Ralphie?
Great.. now they’ll close that area so bystanders can’t take photos anymore. Or you’ll have to stay 700 yards back, etc. Just watch.
bttt
There’s always hope..
That will more likely be because some jackass will hire an ambulance chasing shyster seeking millions.
From what I have seen the jet did not quite clear the ridge. I do not think the pilot had time to eject. The body or what is left of it is most likely in the debris pile.
More likely they’ll move the pilots training area dozens of miles from any roads.
>>>The chasm got its nickname because mineral-rich soil and red, gray and pink walls bring to mind the home planet of “Star Wars” character Luke Skywalker<<<
I thought is was because of the Death Star being attacked by the Resistance Fighters flying down a Trench to destroy it.
We seem to be losing numbers of these planes lately. Yeah, OK, they’re 40+ years old. That doesn’t mean they’re not needed. And they ain’t making ‘em any more. Not forgetting the pilot, either.
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