A U.S. Navy F/A-18 aircraft assigned to the Navy's Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, crashed today during the beginning stages of an afternoon practice at the Smyrna, Tennessee, Airport at approximately 3:01 p.m., CDT.

The pilot of the jet was taking off to start the afternoon practice when the mishap occurred. The pilot died from injuries sustained during the crash.

The name of the pilot and side number of the aircraft will not be released until 24 hours after the next-of-kin notifications have been completed.

The other five Blue Angel jets were not involved in the incident and landed safely moments later.

The crash occurred approximately two miles from the runway.

The Navy will conduct an investigation into the cause of the crash.

The Blue Angels will not participate in the air show this weekend.

The Navy is deeply saddened by the loss of this service member. We extend our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the family of the pilot and those he served with.

For additional information or updates, contact the public affairs office at Commander, Naval Air Forces Pacific, by calling 619-767-1623, or -1625.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Commander, Naval Air Forces, visit www.navy.mil/.