Pilot dead after F-18 military jet crash

The pilot of an F-18D Hornet jet that crashed near San Diego early Friday morning has died, according to a U.S. defense official.

Search and rescue teams recovered the U.S. Marine Corps pilot at the crash site.

The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing in Cherry Point, North Carolina, issued a statement confirming that the pilot was part of its unit.

According to audio gathered by Broadcastify, the pilot had ejected before the jet crashed.

The incident occurred near Marine Corps Air Station Miramar and happened during a training flight, an official said.

The cause of the crash is unknown and an investigation is underway, officials said.