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Valencia Man Dies In F-16 Jet Crash Near Las Vegas

A Valencia man died in an F-16 fighter jet crash outside Las Vegas Wednesday during a routine aerial demonstration training flight, officials said.


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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.

Maj. Stephen Del Bagno (pictured third from the left) during a practice show at Nellis Air Force Base Photo Courtesy: 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.

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.

Photo Courtesy: U. S. Air Force

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Valencia Man Dies In F-16 Jet Crash Near Las Vegas

2 comments

  1. Very very sad news. Prayers and comfort at this time for his entire family.

  2. I am so sadden by this news. May the Lord be with you.

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About Devon Miller

Devon Miller was born and raised in Santa Clarita. He joined KHTS Radio as a digital marketing intern in September of 2017, and later moved to news as a staff writer in December. Miller attended College of the Canyons and served as the Associated Student Government President. Miller is now News Director for KHTS, covering breaking news and politics across the Santa Clarita Valley.