Pilot dies in aircraft crash after takeoff from Las Vegas’s Nellis Air Force Base

A contractor-operated aircraft crashed after taking off from Las Vegas’s Nellis Air Force Base on Monday, killing the pilot.

The aircraft, which was not immediately identified, took off at approximately 2:30 p.m. outside the southern edge of the facility, the base said on Twitter.

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

The company that owned, operated and piloted the aircraft, Draken US, confirmed in a statement to The Hill that the pilot involved in the crash died.

The identity of the pilot has not yet been released, according to Draken US, the Florida-based company contracted to provide adversary air support at the base. No additional personnel were on board.

“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,” the contractor wrote in a statement.

“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,” the company added.

#BREAKING: @ClarkCountyFD confirms the pilot involved in the plane crash near @NellisAFB has died. Still unclear if they died in or after the crash. There’s a heavily police and fire dept. presence in the area of Carey & Christy. @8NewsNow #8NN pic.twitter.com/zHfuffEv7h

— Orko Manna (@orko_manna) May 24, 2021

8 News Now reporter Orko Manna, who was on the scene of the crash, wrote on Twitter that smoke was visible for miles.

Smoke could reportedly be seen for miles. Here’s a photo of the aftermath of the downed military plane near Nellis. @8NewsNow #8NN

Photo credit: Taylor Grimm pic.twitter.com/VaeDGyqbOf

— Orko Manna (@orko_manna) May 24, 2021

The Hill reached out to the Clark County fire and police departments for comment.

Draken US noted that the National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident.

Updated 9:52 p.m.