DEVELOPING: Blue Angel F/A-18 Crashes During Air Show Practice

Photo courtesy of Blue Angeles Facebook

Smyrna, TN (NNS) -- 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 name of the pilot is being withheld pending next-of-kin notification requirements.

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.