I don’t consider a pair of 30mm DEFA superior to quad 20mm colts. The French operated F-8’s carrying R.530’s and Magic II’s. They also carried RWR’s. The F-8 Y-racks on the chins could carry AAM’s, a single R.530, or LAU-10 Zuni 4-packs of 5-inch rockets. Crusader II’s (F-8C and newer) eventually gained IRST and others incorporated Bullpups. There was a wide variety of free fall bombs cleared, from 250-pounders to 2K-pounders. And they offered Spey-powered versions to sucker in customers. F-8 was better than Mirage III where it counted.

I once discussed about 15 years ago with a retired US fighter pilot..and I asked what is the best aircraft that he ever flew…and he replied without a hesitation F-8 Crusader. It is easy to agree.

http://theaviationist.com/2014/10/27/haf-retirement-a-7/

Hellenic AF last Corsair 2014.

I think she could be called a hero…with full honors. RIP.

Or NAS Miramar, 22 December 1969, 14 dead 31 injured (other reports cite 11 dead & 14 injured):

http://www3.gendisasters.com/california/11571/miramar-naval-air-station-ca-jet-fighter-crashes-hangar-dec-1969

http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=70034

Here is a VA finding in favor of one of the members of the squadron whose hangar was destroyed, granting disability for PTSD due to the above event:
http://www.va.gov/vetapp98/files3/9829009.txt

As an aside, the mishap pilot above had previously ejected from an F-8J (upgraded F-8E, which is what the Miramar aircraft was): 12 September 1969 F-8J Crusader 150861 VF-194 Lt. Cyrus M. Riddell ejected, recovered
In the Gulf of Tonkin, flying off USS Oriskany CVA-34. No further details.

And he had a third ejection, 5 months after his first:
2nd February 1970 F-8J Crusader 150852 VF-194 Lt. Cyrus M. Riddell ejected
2nd February 1970 F-8J Crusader 149154 VF-194 LT Gary D. Crowell ejected
Mid air collision practicing close combat manoeuvres off San Clemente Island. Both picked up by Coast Guard helicopter.

Yes Bager1968 this is in par with the accident in Greece. Just as horrifying.

Is it a bit extraordinary that same fellows has to eject trice ?

Your list misses the most influential aviation accident in the US history ( or two actually ) dates to pre WWII era.

http://www3.gendisasters.com/mainlist/california/Air%20Disasters

This accident ended all passenger transportation in USA that took place with wooden aeroplanes like Fokker Trimotor.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TWA_Flight_599

This accident ended all lighter than air traffic.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindenburg_disaster