Blue Angels Will Not Perform at This Weekend's Great Tennessee Air Show

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.

The team has announced that they will not be performing at this weekend's show, and will stand down until further notice.