(CNN) The pilot whose fighter jet crashed after it took off from Nellis Air Force Base near Las Vegas has died, according to a release from the base's public affairs unit. The pilot, who was not identified, was a contractor and the aircraft was owned and operated by Draken US, a Florida-based company that provides "adversary air support" for Air Force pilots. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people and families affected by this event," the statement said. The National Transportation Safety Board said it is investigating the crash of a Dassault Aviation Mirage F1. At Nellis, Draken maintains a number of aircraft, including the French-built Mirage F1, a fighter jet, to fly against the US Air Force pilots as aggressor jets in training.

Source: CNN May 24, 2021 23:43 UTC