A fallen military aircraft reportedly crash-landed in the backyard of a home close to the Nellis Air Force Base in southern Nevada on the evening of May 24.
Scene of jet crash near #Nellis AFB in Las Vegas.#8NN pic.twitter.com/bWX7J1KLQC
— Duncan Phenix (@PhenixVegas) May 24, 2021
The plane crash-landed in a residential neighborhood near Carey Avenue and Christy Lane. The aftermath of the fallen plane could be seen for miles, with local residents sharing pictures and videos online of the thick black smoke rising from the crash site.
#BREAKING. Photo of aftermath of downed military plane near Nellis. #8NN
Photo: Taylor Grimm pic.twitter.com/0SZgQ8OVQF
— David Charns (@davidcharns) May 24, 2021
“We are aware of an incident involving an aircraft associated with Nellis Air Force Base,” the military installation wrote on social media. “We will provide updates as they become available.
We are aware of an incident involving an aircraft associated with Nellis Air Force Base. We will provide updates as they become available.
— Nellis Air Force Base (@NellisAFB) May 24, 2021
The base’s Twitter account later posted an update, writing: “A contractor-operated aircraft that took off from Nellis Air Force Base crashed at approximately 2:30 p.m. May 24 outside the southern edge of the base. Multiple federal and local first responders are on scene. The incident is under investigation.”
A contractor-operated aircraft that took off from Nellis Air Force Base crashed at approximately 2:30 p.m. May 24 outside the southern edge of the base.
Multiple federal and local first responders are on scene.
The incident is under investigation.
— Nellis Air Force Base (@NellisAFB) May 24, 2021
A statement was released by the contracting company whose pilot was operating the crashed aircraft. According to the statement, “the aircraft was owned, operated and piloted by Draken US, a Florida-based company contracted to provide adversary air support to Nellis Air Force Base.”
Though no information has been released about the pilot’s identity, it has been confirmed that he lost his life in the crash.
“Draken has received news of a downed aircraft out of Nellis AFB and the tragic loss of one of our pilots. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people and families affected by this event. We are doing everything in our power to assist them in this time of need, and we are working closely with federal, state and local authorities. Draken US is also cooperating with investigating agencies to determine what led to this tragic accident,” said the statement from Draken US.
Please see the attached statement from our partners at Draken US on today’s aircraft incident.
The men and women of Nellis AFB send our deepest condolences to the teammates, friends and family of our fallen Draken wingman. https://t.co/zgOBvQLjXo
— Nellis Air Force Base (@NellisAFB) May 25, 2021
