U.S. airman killed in training exercise in Ukraine confirmed from 144th Fighter Wing in Fresno

MOSCOW -- UPDATE - A U.S. Air Force official confirmed a service member involved in a deadly crash overseas was a member of the 144th Fighter Wing in Fresno.

The Airman was taking part in what's called a single-aircraft familiarization flight with a Ukrainian counterpart during a joint military exercise.

No other aircraft were involved in the incident.

The identity of the service member is not being revealed for now while they notify family members.

The U.S. Air Force is expected to release more information on the death of the U.S.service-member today.

The military member died during a joint Ukrainian and American flying exercise.

Operation Clear Sky, which kicked off last week, includes pilots from the 144th fighter wing based here in Fresno.

Military leaders say two pilots were aboard a fighter aircraft at the time of the accident Tuesday.

The U.S. and Ukrainian governments are conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the accident.

__________________________________

Ukraine's military says a Ukrainian fighter jet crashed during a joint exercise with U.S. and other NATO air forces, killing both pilots.

The General Staff of Ukraine's armed forces said the two-seat Su-27UB went down on Tuesday in the Kmelnitskyi region. It said a rescue team found the jet's two pilots dead.

The U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Africa issued a statement saying it was aware of "reports claiming a U.S. casualty." The command said it "can confirm a U.S. service member was involved in this incident," but stopped short of confirming the American's death.

Personnel from nine nations are taking part in the Clear Sky 2018 exercises that started in Ukraine on Oct. 8. They include members of a California Air National Guard unit based in Fresno, Calif.

We reached out to the 144th Fighter Wing and they cannot yet say whether one of their pilots was involved in the crash.

This story will be updated.