A U.S. Marine Corps pilot died Wednesday after he crashed his F-18 crashed taking off from a British airbase, according to U.S. and British officials.
The New York Times reported that the pilot, who has not yet been identified, was the only casualty reported in the crash. A press release posted on the U.S. Marines website Wednesday said that the crash occurred at 5:30A.M.
According the Marines, the jet, a F-18C Hornet, belonged to the Marine Attack Fighter Squadron 232 based in California.
"A III Marine Aircraft Wing F/A-18C Hornet belonging to Marine Attack Fighter Squadron 232 stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California crashed in the vicinity of Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England at approximately 5:30 a.m. (EST), today," the news release read.
"It is unknown at this time if the pilot ejected from the single-seat aircraft. More information will be released from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Public Affairs office as it becomes available."
The jet, along with five others, was returning home from Bahrain. The other planes were diverted to an air base close by.
The United Kingdom Coast Guard is currently investigating the crash and the cause remains unknown.