Both pilots rescued after naval warplane from USS Ronald Reagan crashes into Philippine Sea
- Monday’s crash was the second involving aircraft belonging to the Nimitz-class supercarrier in less than a month
A warplane from the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan crashed into the sea northeast of the Philippines on Monday, but its two aviators were rescued safely.
The US Navy’s 7th Fleet said the F/A-18 Hornet had a mechanical problem during Monday’s routine operations over the Philippine Sea.
A rescue aircraft plucked the aviators from the water and immediately brought them back to the ship, the navy said in a statement. They are both in good condition and the aircraft carrier has since returned to normal operations.
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The cause of the crash is under investigation.
Monday’s crash was the second involving aircraft belonging to the USS Ronald Reagan in less than a month.
In mid-October, a MH-60 Seahawk crashed shortly after take-off, causing non-fatal injuries to a dozen sailors.
The aircraft carrier took part in a joint exercise known as “Keen Sword” with Japan and Canada from October 29 to November 8 in waters around Japan and near Guam in the Pacific.
The F/A-18 was part of a Career Air Wing 5 on board Ronald Reagan, the Navy said.
