An F-18 fighter jet crashed near a residential neighborhood in San Diego, California, on December 8, 2008, igniting several house fires and killing four civilians. Though the pilot was grounded, and is under review by the Marines, four others have been fired, including the commander of the pilot's fighter squadron and member sof the maintenance crew.CNN: Marines sack 4 over deadly CA plane crash (March 3, 2009) Eight other Marines have received official reprimands but were not entirely pulled from duty.Associated Press: Marine Corps punishes 13 for San Diego jet crash (March 3, 2009)

On March 3, 2009 during a press conference, military officials said that the tragic incident was "clearly avoidable." The officials clarified that the accident was caused by "mechanical malfunctions on two different engines" mixed with "well-intended but incorrect decisions" on behalf of the military personnel on duty during the incident.FOX News: Military: Deadly California F-18 Crash Was 'Clearly Avoidable'

Four people were killed inside one of the burning homes: a grandmother, a mother and two small children.Fox News: Death Toll Rises to 4 in F-18 Crash in San Diego (December 9, 2008) The pilot was able to eject himself from the aircraft before impact and was taken to a local hospital.SignOnSanDiego.com: 3 killed as fighter jet crashes in San Diego CNN: Officials: 3 dead after military jet crash

"Both houses were totally engulfed in flames... I saw one pilot walking around and he was dazed."—Donny James (witness)BBC.com: US F-18 jet crashes in San Diego (December 8, 2008)