The pilot, who the Navy did not identify, died when the aircraft crashed at the Fallon Range Training Complex, some 70 miles east of the Naval Air Station at Fallon, Nevada, in a remote and rugged mountainous region.
The aircraft was not carrying any weapons or other munitions. There were no reports of any other injuries or property damage associated with the crash, but the aircraft was a total loss, the Navy said in a statement, citing reports from the scene.
Navy personnel took several hours to reach the crash site, and a snowstorm overnight also hindered efforts.
The plane was a U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18C on loan to the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center for training.
The cause of the crash will be investigated, the Navy said.
(Reporting by Chris Michaud)