A F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet of the United States Navy crashed in California’s Death Valley National Park.
The incident, which took place on October 4, 2021, was revealed by the US Navy a day later. The Super Hornet crashed in a remote area in southern Death Valley National Park, according to the Navy statement.
Despite being a two-seater, the aircraft was operated by a single pilot, who managed to eject safely and suffered only minor injuries. The pilot was transported to Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, and released later the same day.
No other injuries were reported. The cause for the crash is unknown, and an investigation has been opened.
The aircraft belonged to the Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 9 (VX-9) based at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, also in California. The facility is a research center operated by the US Navy. The VX-9 squadron, nicknamed The Vampires, is tasked with developing tactical procedures for the employment of the Navy’s combat aircraft and their weapons.