Fighter jet crashes in eastern France, killing at least one person

The Mirage 2000D combat aircraft was returning from a mission when it crashed late on Tuesday evening, according to the armed forces ministry.(AP Photo/Remy de la Mauviniere)

A fighter jet has crashed in eastern France, leaving at least one person dead, the French armed forces said.

The Mirage 2000D combat aircraft was returning from a mission when it crashed late on Tuesday evening, according to the armed forces ministry.

The plane’s crew consisted of a fighter pilot and a weapons systems officer from the French Air and Space Force. One body has been recovered and a search for the second crew member is ongoing.

An investigation into the cause of the crash has been opened.

The plane was attached to the nearby 133 Nancy-Ochey air base.

Col Ludovic Humbert, the base commandant, said the weapons systems officer was a seasoned soldier who was teaming up with a young pilot.

The plane had begun its final approach as it returned to base from a night training mission when the crash happened.

The Mirage 2000D specialises in ground-attack missions.

A two-seat aircraft, it is designed to operate in complex environments, the ministry said.

It supports conventional air operations and power-projection missions.