F-18 Hornet crashes in San Diego

[Softball]

The F-18 crashed approximately 2 miles from my house. Reports say a single pilot ejected, and his condition is unknown. I was home at the time of the crash and did not hear or feel the impact.

http://www.10news.com/news/18229447/detail.html

http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/12/08/milita ... index.html

There are two civilians confirmed killed, and two missing.

[Gator]

i knew it was a couple miles from Mirimar - didn't know it was that close to your house. Heard the pilot was ok. We're looking at it (my office) - naval aviation safety.

[Buffalo Six]

I saw this yesterday on the news, looks like its now 3 dead (a mother, grandmother, and infant) and 1 missing child.....really sad.

Sounds like the pilot was trying to put it int he canyon behind that area but ran out of airspeed and alt. I read that it lost 1 engine out over the pacific (where it was doing carrier landign training with the Abraham Lincoln) and was RTB when the other quit. I guess he was on a straight in approach. Eye witness reports say he got out very low (treetop?) so I commend the nugget (22 year old Lt.) for trying to miss the houses.

I can only imagine what he is going thru right now. Thoughts and prayers go out to him and the family who lost loved ones.

[Softball]

Yes, he was on a straight in emergency approach (West to East) to MCAS, the normal landing pattern is East to West. I read this AM that witnesses said he ejected from an altitude of about 25ft, (at the last possible minute) and then the jet spiraled into the ground.

Very sad that the 3 people died, and one child is still missing. There was a news report here in San Diego that the father had just spoke with the mother minutes before the crash. Sad.

[Buffalo Six]

aye, very sad. Like I said it appears he was trying to make that canyon that just behind the houses.

Did you read the account of the mailman who had just delivered mail to that house and was now 1 1/2 houses away when he heard the pop of the ejection? talk about sureal