A Valencia man died in an F-16 fighter jet crash outside Las Vegas Wednesday during a routine aerial demonstration training flight, officials said.
Sponsored Articles
Maj. Stephen Del Bagno was killed when his F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed over the Nevada Test and Training Range April 4 at 10:30 a.m., according to Air Force officials.
“We are mourning the loss of Major Del Bagno,” said Brig. Gen. Jeannie Leavitt, 57th Wing Commander. “He was an integral part of our team and our hearts are heavy with his loss. We ask everyone to provide his family and friends the space to heal during this difficult time.”
An investigation is being conducted into the cause of the crash, according to a statement from the U.S. Air Force.
The piot is part of the Thunderbirds Squadron, which tours the United States and much of the world, performing aerobatic formation and solo flying in specially marked aircraft.
Maj. Del Bagno is the Slot Pilot for the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, flying the No. 4 jet, according to the Thunderbird website.
Del Bango is a 2005 graduate of Utah Valley State University, and commissioned from Officer Training School, Maxwell AFB, Alabama in 2007.
Before joining the Air Force, Del Bagno was a civilian flight instructor, corporate pilot, skywriter, and a banner tow pilot. He enjoys snowboarding, water sports and spending time with family and friends.
I am deeply saddened to hear of the loss of one of our Thunderbird pilots today. My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected as they grieve and remember their family member, Wingman, and friend. https://t.co/qQ74LXOcTt
— Dr. Heather Wilson (@SecAFOfficial) April 5, 2018
Prior to joining the Thunderbirds, Del Bagno served as an F-35A Evaluator Pilot and Chief of Standardization and Evaluation, 58th Fighter Squadron, Eglin AFB, Florida.
The Major has logged more than 3,500 total flight hours in over 30 different aircraft, with 1,400 hours as an Air Force pilot.
The death prompted the cancellation of the Thunderbirds’ participation in this weekend’s March Field Air & Space Expo in Riverside County.
“It is unknown how this accident will impact the remainder of the 2018 Thunderbirds season,” the Air Force statement said.
The cause of the accident remains under investigation.
Did you spot a correction? Let us know by emailing Corrections@hometownstation.com
KHTS FM 98.1 and AM 1220 is Santa Clarita’s only local radio station. KHTS mixes in a combination of news, traffic, sports, and features along with your favorite adult contemporary hits. Santa Clarita news and features are delivered throughout the day over our airwaves, on our website and through a variety of social media platforms. Our KHTS national award-winning daily news briefs are now read daily by 34,000+ residents. A vibrant member of the Santa Clarita community, the KHTS broadcast signal reaches all of the Santa Clarita Valley and parts of the high desert communities located in the Antelope Valley. The station streams its talk shows over the web, reaching a potentially worldwide audience. Follow @KHTSRadio on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Very very sad news. Prayers and comfort at this time for his entire family.
I am so sadden by this news. May the Lord be with you.