Three sailors missing after US Navy plane crashes into Pacific

Eight people on board a US Navy plane that crashed on Wednesday in the Pacific were recovered in good condition and a search continues for three other missing personnel, the navy said.

In a tweet, the navy said the eight were taken on board the USS Ronald Reagan.

Their C-2 Greyhound transport aircraft crashed while on its way to the carrier about 150km northwest of Okinotorishima, a Japanese atoll.

The navy said the ship was operating in the Philippine Sea when the crash occurred at 2.45pm, Japan time. The names of the crew and passengers are being withheld pending next of kin notification.

The cause of the crash was not immediately clear, the navy said.