The Ministry of Defense said on Twitter that the plane fell near the base, located about 16 kilometers from the city, and belonging to the Spanish Air and Space Force.
Video footage released on social media platforms shows the tragic accident.
The plane appears out of control in the air, while its pilot tries to bring it back to its normal position, in vain.
At the end, the plane dived and collided with the ground, causing a huge explosion, but the pilot managed to jump and escape with his life.
The pilot was taken to hospital and his life is not in danger. The Spanish press agency indicated that the plane was training for an air show when the accident occurred.
The Civil Guard told The Associated Press that one of its patrols was the first to reach the pilot, who fell outside an outdoor fence surrounding the base.
He said the pilot suffered leg injuries, likely from jumping with a parachute at low altitude, and added that he would cooperate with the army to investigate the accident.
The Civil Guard said initial information provided by the pilot indicated the plane was apparently suffering from a technical malfunction.
The American-made F-18 has been part of air defenses since the 1980s and has been purchased by the air forces of several allied nations.
Spanish forces obtained the first 72 F-18 models in 1983.
The Spanish Defense Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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