Navy: Va. F-18 crash was 'preventable'

NORFOLK, Va. — A Navy report says the crash of an F/A-18E Super Hornet into the Atlantic Ocean off Virginia last year was a "preventable mishap."

A fighter jet pilot was severely injured after ejecting from his plane about 45 miles off Virginia Beach during a January 15, 2014 training exercise.

WAVY-TV reports that the Navy report says the $85-million crash occurred because the pilot flew too low during a maneuver.

The investigation credited the mishap to the pilot's inexperience with the maneuver. The report also blamed an inadequate briefing before takeoff.

Investigators also noted that the pilot lacked proficiency and experience in a system that projects flight information on the pilot's visor.

The report called for training changes and for Navy squadrons to be made aware of the accident and its cause.

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