A U. S. Navy Blue Angels pilot died today when his jet crashed during an air show at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in South Carolina.

News reports say the F/A-18 Hornet crashed in a neighborhood near the base, scattering fire and debris. No other fatalities were reported. A video of the news conference is available here.

You can find speculation about the crash on the 'net, but the Navy hasn't released the pilot's identity. Here's the officical statement:

"From Navy Office of Information

"PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- An F/A-18A Hornet assigned to the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron (Blue Angels) crashed during the final minutes of an air show at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., at approximately 4 p.m. EDT, April 21.

"The pilot did not survive.

"The pilot of the jet was joining the Delta formation for the final maneuver of the aerial demonstration when the mishap occurred. It was his second year on the team, and first year as a demonstration pilot.

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

"The crash occurred approximately three miles outside the air station in the vicinity of Pine Grove Rd. and White Pine Rd. One civilian on the ground reported minor injuries and was transported to Beaufort Memorial Hospital. Some houses in the area received damage, the extent of which is unclear at this time.

"The name of the pilot is being withheld pending the notification of the next-of-kin.

"The cause of the accident is currently under investigation."

The Blue Angels performed at the Vectren Dayton Air Show last year. (The USAF Thunderbirds and the Brazilian Air Force Smoke Squadron are scheduled here this year.) The Blue Angels are scheduled to fly at the Indianapolis Air Show in August.