National Transportation Safety Board

Aviation Accident Preliminary Report

Location: Las Vegas, NV Accident Number: WPR21FA203

Date & Time: May 24, 2021, 14:17 Local Registration: N567EM
Aircraft: DASSAULT AVIATION MIRAGE F-1 Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted
Public aircraft
Under:

On May 24, 2021, about 1417 Pacific daylight time, an experimental Dassault Aviation Mirage F-1
Turbo-jet, N567EM, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Nellis Air Force Base,
(LSV), Las Vegas, Nevada. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a public-use
aircraft in support of the United States Air Force’s simulated combat training.

According to the pilot of the number 2 airplane in the formation, the accident airplane was the lead of a
flight of two aggressors, which returned to LSV after completion of their Weapons School support
flights in the Nevada Test and Tactics Range. The number 2 airplane in the formation recovered before
the lead airplane since it reached its briefed fuel status first. About 15 minutes later, the lead airplane
recovered single ship. While en route to LSV and about several minutes out, the lead pilot reported that
the airplane was “code 1,” signifying that the airplane had no maintenance discrepancies.

The lead airplane entered the traffic pattern and reported initial for runway 03R. Shortly after the break,
and approaching the final turn, the pilot reported that he would be accomplishing a low approach and
then proceeding to Flex (LSV 338/04). The pilot started the final turn and then reported that he had a
flap issue and when asked if he was declaring an emergency, he responded “affirm.” Shortly thereafter,
while still in the final turn, the airplane descended, and the pilot ejected. Subsequently, the airplane
stuck terrain in a residential area about 1 1/2 miles south of the approach end of the runway. The
wreckage was consumed by a post-crash fire.

A witness reported that he observed the airplane low in the pattern and sinking like it was “falling out of
the sky.” Subsequently, he observed the pilot eject.

The airplane was recovered to a secure facility for further examination.

Page 1 of 2 WPR21FA203
This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when
the final report has been completed.
 Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: DASSAULT AVIATION Registration: N567EM

Model/Series: MIRAGE F-1 Aircraft Category: Airplane

Amateur Built: No
Operator: On file Operating Certificate(s) None
Held:
Operator Designator Code:
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: VMC Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KLSV,1870 ft msl Observation Time: 14:32 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 3 Nautical Miles Temperature/Dew Point: 28°C /-4°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: /,
Lowest Ceiling: Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.01 inches Hg Type of Flight Plan Filed: Military VFR
Departure Point: Las Vegas, NV Destination: Las Vegas, NV

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: Aircraft Fire: On-ground
Ground Injuries: Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal Latitude, 36.200883,-115.05419 (est)
Longitude:

Administrative Information
Investigator In Charge (IIC):
Additional Participating Persons:
Note:
Nixon, Albert
Richard Ramirez; Federal Aviation Administration; Las Vegas, NV
Victor Halos; Draken International; Las Vegas, NV

Page 2 of 2 WPR21FA203
This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when
the final report has been completed.