U.S. Navy Warplane Crashes Into The Sea Northeast Of The Philippines

TOKYO (AP) — A U.S. combat jet from the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan crashed into the sea northeast of the Philippines on Monday, but its two pilots were rescued safely.

The U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet said the F/A-18 Hornet had a mechanical problem during routine operations in the Philippine Sea.

A rescue aircraft quickly plucked the pilots from the water and brought them back to the ship, the Navy said in a statement. They were in good condition and the aircraft carrier has since returned to normal operations, the Navy said.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

The 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 takeoff, causing non-fatal injuries to a dozen sailors.

The aircraft carrier participated in a joint exercise known as “Keen Sword” with Japan and Canada from Oct. 29 to Nov. 8 in waters around Japan and near Guam in the Pacific.

The F/A-18 was part of Carrier Air Wing 5 onboard the Ronald Reagan, the Navy said.