F-18 Jet Crash: US Marine Corps Pilot Dies in Ely, Cambridgeshire

In summary, a US Marine Corps pilot died in an F-18 jet crash near an RAF base in Redmere, Cambridgeshire. The jet, which was not connected to the base, had taken off from RAF Lakenheath and crashed four miles from RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk. The pilot was the only crew member and the accident highlights the unfortunate frequency of accidents in US military aviation.
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wolram
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-34593948

Thank you for your service. RIP.

A US Marine Corps pilot has died in an F-18 jet crash, close to an RAF base.

The jet came down on farmland in Redmere, near Ely, Cambridgeshire, with the alarm raised at 10:30 BST.

The Hornet aircraft, which had taken off from RAF Lakenheath but was not connected to the base, crashed four miles from RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk.

The pilot was the only crew member, police said.
 
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Accidents in US military aviation are not what I would call rare unfortunately. Somewhere in the world there is a "major accident" in Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine aviation roughly five times per month. The Navy/Marine pilots I've known tell me that every time a US carrier deploys there's a good chance an aviator does not come back due to accidents. Many of the accidents don't make the main stream papers.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=95521&page=1
 

1. What caused the F-18 jet crash in Ely, Cambridgeshire?

The cause of the F-18 jet crash in Ely, Cambridgeshire is still under investigation. However, initial reports suggest that the pilot may have experienced mechanical issues with the aircraft.

2. Was anyone else injured in the F-18 jet crash?

No, the pilot was the only person on board the F-18 jet at the time of the crash and unfortunately, he did not survive.

3. How often do F-18 jets crash?

F-18 jets have a relatively low crash rate compared to other military aircraft. However, the exact frequency of F-18 jet crashes is not readily available to the public.

4. What safety measures are in place to prevent F-18 jet crashes?

The US Marine Corps follows strict safety protocols and conducts regular maintenance checks on all F-18 jets to prevent crashes. Pilots also undergo rigorous training to handle emergency situations.

5. Has this type of F-18 jet crashed before?

There have been previous incidents of F-18 jet crashes, but each case is unique and the cause of this specific crash is still being investigated. The US Marine Corps takes all crashes seriously and constantly works towards improving safety measures.

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