Pilot dies after Harrier jet crashes near Cherry Point
The pilot’s name is being withheld pending notification on next of kin. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
Posted — UpdatedOfficials said the crash of the single-seat fighter occurred at approximately 12:30 p.m. while it was returning from a routine training flight.
The cause of the crash is under investigation, but investigators said they do not believe weather was a factor.
Witnesses reported hearing a "whimpering" noise from the aircraft before seeing a large plume of smoke.
"It looks as if he (the pilot) tried to glide it in safely away from the residential area,” Cherry Point spokeswoman Gunnery Sgt. Reina Barnett said.
Barnett said it appeared the pilot stayed with the aircraft instead of ejecting, and that he may have thought he could save the plane.
Roger Colaw and his grandson often hunt in the woods around the crash site. The former Marine said he heard trouble coming for the aircraft.
"It sounded like it was having engine trouble,” Colaw said.
Colaw said he did not see the plane go down, but rushed toward it when he heard the crash.
"A big puff of white smoke went up in the air and it sent stuff flying everywhere,” Colaw said.
Colaw called for survivors, but there was no response.
"It was heartbreaking, I will tell you,” he said.
Investigators said they hope another pilot will be able to provide information about why the aircraft crashed. Military aircraft travel in pairs and another pilot was flying ahead of the Harrier when it went down.
The Harrier was considered accident prone in its original configuration, but has overcome that reputation in current models.
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