US F-18 jet crashes in San Diego

The pilot ejected before the crash and there was no ordnance on board

A US military F-18 fighter jet has crashed into a residential neighbourhood of San Diego, the Federal Aviation Administration has said.

The San Diego Fire Department described the scene of the crash as "a heavily populated area" near the 805 freeway.

Television footage showed plumes of white smoke rising from several houses.

FAA Spokesman Ian Gregor said the plane had crashed as it prepared to land at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar and that the pilot had ejected beforehand.

The crash occurred two miles (1.25km) from the base, he added.