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Crash cause: 'Mechanical malfunction'
NAS Oceana to close for weekend
Updated: Friday, 06 Apr 2012, 8:16 PM EDT
Published : Friday, 06 Apr 2012, 8:15 PM EDT
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - Navy officials say a 'catastrophic mechanical malfunction' just after takeoff caused an F/A-18D Hornet to crash into an apartment complex on April 6.
Cmdr. Phil Rosi with Naval Air Force Atlantic says a fleet replacement pilot was training on a new aircraft and an experience instructor pilot ejected from the jet before impact.
Both pilots were treated for minor injuries and Rosi says they are doing well.
The jet was from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106, based at Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana and crashed into the Mayfair Mews apartment complex in Virginia Beach.
Rosi says limited flight operations will occur Saturday morning at 9 a.m. to recover eight jets that diverted to NAS Chambers Field in Norfolk, as well as to launch necessary aircraft. Then, NAS Oceana will shut down for the remainder of the weekend.
Flight operations are expected to resume Monday morning.
The cause of the accident is under investigation.
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