Marine Corps Generals defended the decision to try to land a disabled jet at a San Diego military base. Military investigators are still combing through the neighborhood wreckage. Two infant girls, their mother and grandmother died when the jet slammed into their home. Marine Generals briefed a congressional panel behind closed doors. Congressman Duncan Hunter's spokesman Joe Kasper says the pilot was approaching the military base with landing gear down and one engine out.
Kasper: The Pilot at that point, once the second engine malfunctioned, made every effort to bring that aircraft under control as explained by the marine corps and ended up punching out or ejecting from the aircraft at 2,200 feet.
Kasper says Marine officers insist double engine failure is rare for FA-18 D aircraft. He says the pilot followed correct procedures. Investigations into the crash and the aircraft's safety are continuing.
