Fatal Crash

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: At least five people were killed this morning when a Navy fighter jet crashed into a Nashville suburb just after taking off on a training mission. The two crew members aboard the F-14 Tomcat died, as did three civilians who were sitting in one of several houses that were set ablaze by the explosion. The twin-engine fighter was returning to Miramar Air Force near San Diego after flying to the Nashville International Airport where it was refueled. "The F-14's engine has long been underpowered and this may have contributed to this crash," notes defense correspondent Mark Thompson. "It is a very difficult plane to fly because of its engine design. There have been longstanding plans to improve the engine and this crash may accelerate that."