US F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jet crashed at Nellis Air Force Base. US F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jet crashed at Nellis Air Force Base near Las Vegas.
The jet was on a routine training mission when it crashed in Nevada Test and Training Range about 10:30 a.m.
The Thunderbirds pilot Maj. Stephen Del Bagno died in the crash
Del Bagno was flying his Fighting Falcon during a routine aerial demonstration training flight. He was Thunderbird No. 4. According to Del Bagno’s LinkedIn profile, he has been a Thunderbird since November 201
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. – U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Slot Pilot Thunderbird 4, Maj. Stephen Del Bagno, was killed when his F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed over the Nevada Test and Training Range April 4, 2018 at approximately 10:30 a.m. during a routine aerial demonstration training flight.
“We are mourning the loss of Major Del Bagno,” said Brig. Gen. Jeannie Leavitt, 57th Wing Commander. “He was an integral part of our team and our hearts are heavy with his loss. We ask everyone to provide his family and friends the space to heal during this difficult time.”
An investigation is being conducted into the cause of the mishap.
The team’s participation at the March Air Reserve Base “The March Field Air & Space Expo” has been canceled. It is unknown how this accident will impact the remainder of the 2018 Thunderbirds Season.
The cause of the crash is still unknown. Investigation is started
That’s the third US crash in the last two days .24 hour ago a Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing at MCAS Miramar crashed “in the vicinity” of El Centro . 4 US servicemen died in that crash
Maj. Stephen Del Bagno, Thunderbird 4/Slot Pilot, (pictured third from the left) marches to his F-16 Fighting Falcon alongside the five other Thunderbird pilots during a practice show at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Mar. 14, 2018. Del Bagno was killed when his aircraft crashed on the Nevada Test and Training Range during a practice aerial demonstration on April 4, 2018. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Christopher Boitz)
Maj. Stephen Del Bagno, Thunderbird 4/Slot Pilot, and Staff Sgt. Michael Meister, Thunderbird 4 Dedicated Crew Chief, awaits the signal to start their F-16 Fighting Falcon during a practice show at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Mar. 14, 2018. Del Bagno was killed when his aircraft crashed on the Nevada Test and Training Range during a practice aerial demonstration on April 4, 2018. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Christopher Boitz)
Maj. Stephen Del Bagno, Thunderbird 4/Slot Pilot, performs preflight checks in his F-16 Fighting Falcon at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Jan. 26, 2018. Del Bagno was killed when his aircraft crashed on the Nevada Test and Training Range during a practice aerial demonstration on April 4, 2018. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Christopher Boitz)
