Jet Crashes on Takeoff at Nellis Air Force Base

Thursday, March 21, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

The pilot ejected from the aircraft and was rushed to the Nellis hospital. Nellis spokeswoman Maj. Louise Lund-Vaa said the pilot, whose name was not released, was in stable condition and being held for observation.

The $26 million plane crashed in a ball of flames on vacant land at the north end of the runway at the busy fighter base on the northern edge of Las Vegas. A plume of black smoke could be seen throughout the Las Vegas Valley.

The plane was attached to the 1st Fighter Wing at Langley Air Force Base, Va.

Witnesses said the plane seemed to lack enough power to get airborne.

A Nellis spokeswoman, Nancy Barbour, said it was not immediately known whether any weapons were on board.

Nellis officials said a board of officers would be convened to investigate the accident.

Green Flag exercises are conducted annually at Nellis, simulating realistic combat conditions for pilots from bases around the country.

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