F-18 crashed in residential area in San Diego

My gut reaction to the news was that the pilot probably had intense aircraft problems and tried to stay with it until there was a point of no return. We know people in the program who are amazing pilots,,,these guys go thru more training in a week than you can imagine and while human error is always something we think about the liklihood of engine or aircraft problems is more likely. The whole thing puts a black eye on the pilot and the program when it might not have been his fault. We need to wait for a full investigation before we can make an informed decision. Hopes and prayers go to all that are involved in this tragedy.

Originally Posted by GoatLocker

Prayers for the families and the pilot. Gonna be a tough time for all of them. Also for others in the decision making process that led to this.

The pilot spoke to a civilian (actually a retired sailor) on the ground and said he lost an engine right after takeoff (about 100 miles off the coast) and was diverted to MCAS Miramar. The second engine failed very close to the crash site. He said he tried to steer to an open field, but couldn't control the aircraft.