U.S. military jet crashes; pilot killed, 1 hurt

updated 7:49 a.m. ET May 22, 2009

CALIFORNIA CITY, California - A U.S. military jet crashed during a training mission over the Mojave Desert, killing the pilot and injuring another crewman who ejected, the Air Force said Friday.

Capt. Mark P. Graziano, 30, was pronounced dead at the scene after his T-38A jet went down at about 1:15 p.m. Thursday near California City, about nine miles (15 kilometers) north of Edwards Air Force Base.

Maj. Lee V. Jones, a senior navigator, ejected from the twin-engine plane. He was listed in stable condition at a Bakersfield hospital, a statement from the base said.

Both men were assigned to the Test Pilot School at the base. Graziano was training to be a test pilot and Jones was training to become a test navigator.

"We are shocked and saddened by this sudden loss and our hearts and prayers go out to Mark's family and loved ones," Col. Terry M. Luallen, commandant of the school, said in the statement.

The crash is under investigation by a board of officers. The base did not disclose any other details.

It was the second crash of an aircraft from Edwards in less than two months. On March 25, a test pilot died when an Air Force F-22A Raptor crashed about 35 miles (55 kilometers) north of the base.

The T-38 Talon is a twin-engine, high-altitude, supersonic jet trainer used primarily for pilot training.

More on: Jet crashes

More from msnbc.com U.S. officials say top al-Qaida leader killed Credit card debt, terms limit holiday spending  WorldBlog: Chinese activist in Tokyo airport limbo ConsumerMan: It’s a ruby ... but it’s not the real thing Audi R8: German precision meets Latin flair  Battling for resources — with guns, swords Cosmic Log: Light show sparks UFO buzz Giving back for the holidays? Send us your pictures

MORE FROM MILITARY

Military Section Front

NYT: Slim majority backs Afghan troop plan Ex-FBI director to probe Fort Hood massacre Utah man gets Purple Heart 42 years late Survivors recall Pearl Harbor attack Mullen: Surge will increase casualties Army captain admits stealing $690,000 Military Section Front   Add Military headlines to your news reader: