Hampton aircraft crash: Plane crashes ‘on approach’ to military base in latest incident | World | News
An aircraft crashed at Langley Air Force Base on Thursday, a base official confirmed to WTKR News 3. The National Transportation Safety Board says they are “investigating the crash of an experimental MX Aircraft MXS.”
So far, there are no confirmed details on injuries or the cause of the incident, but based on initial gatherings, it appears the plane crashed while “on approach” to Langley Air Force Base. An MX Aircraft MXS is a single-seat stunt plane that is commonly used in air shows. The crash comes just days before the scheduled Air Power Over Hampton Roads air show, reports Newsweek. Officials have not confirmed whether this crash is connected to the upcoming event.
First responders attended the scene, but it is unconfirmed as to whether the pilot was injured.
The Hindustan Times reports that the FFA has released a statement about the plane crash, it says: “An MX Aircraft MXS crashed while the pilot was attempting to land at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia around 11:50 a.m. local time on Thursday, April 24.
“Only the pilot was on board. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation and provide any updates.”
According to reports, the base is one of the oldest Air Force facilities, having been established in December 1916, prior to America’s entry to World War I by the Army Air Service.
It was named after aviation pioneer Samuel Pierpont Langley.
The base’s website publicises the Air Power Over Hampton Roads air show and the performers for the two-day event, which includes the USAF Thunderbirds.
It states: “The Thunderbirds perform for people all around the world to display the pride, precision and professionalism the U.S. Air Force represents.
“Through air shows and flyovers, they aim to excite and inspire. In addition to showcasing the elite skills all pilots must possess, the Thunderbirds demonstrate the incredible capabilities of the Air Force’s premier multi-role fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon.”
