CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A dramatic scene unfolded near Naval Air Station (NAS) Kingsville on Tuesday afternoon when a U.S. Navy training jet went down just south of the air station.
The good news is that the pilot is safe.
Local authorities and military officials confirmed that a T-45 Navy training jet crashed, but the pilot was able to successfully eject from the aircraft before impact.
Pilot Ejects and is Reported OK
The Kleberg County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) confirmed the crash, stating they were notified around 3:45 p.m. local time. Emergency teams immediately raced to the scene, located near Angle Road, just south of the naval base.
According to initial reports, the pilot was found at the crash site and is reported to be OK. As a standard precaution, the pilot was being evaluated by Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Kleberg County Judge Rudy Madrid expressed relief, stating in a message to local news, “The pilot was able to eject and is uninjured. THANK GOD!”
The official response was swift, with the NAS Kingsville Crash Response Team immediately deploying, alongside the Kleberg County Fire Department, Sheriff’s Office, City of Kingsville personnel, and a local task force team.
The Aircraft: T-45 Goshawk
The downed aircraft was identified as a T-45 Goshawk, a single-engine training jet. This jet is the primary trainer used by the Navy and Marine Corps to prepare student aviators for some of the most challenging maneuvers in flight—namely, aircraft carrier takeoffs and landings. The Goshawk has been in service since the 1990s and is built by Boeing.
The incident’s cause remains unknown and is currently under investigation by the appropriate authorities. Officials noted that information is limited due to the recent nature of the event, and updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
Conclusion
While the loss of a valuable Navy training asset is significant, the primary focus remains on the successful ejection and safety of the pilot. The prompt and coordinated response by local and military emergency services ensured the pilot was secured quickly. The investigation into what caused the T-45 Goshawk to go down is now underway, but for now, the community breathes a sigh of relief that a life was saved.
Affiliate Disclosure
This article is a factual news report on a military incident and does not contain any affiliate links or paid endorsements.
Disclaimer
This report is based on preliminary information released by the Kleberg County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, and local officials regarding a crash on Tuesday afternoon. The details surrounding the pilot’s condition and the type of aircraft are accurate to the latest official statements. The cause of the crash is officially under investigation and may be subject to change as more details are uncovered. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, readers should refer to official statements from Naval Air Station Kingsville (\href) or the Navy’s Public Affairs Office.
