Two crew members killed after Navy jet crashes off Key West
President Donald Trump has tweeted his condolences.
Two crew members have died after a US Navy fighter jet crashed off the coast of Key West, Florida.
The F/A-18 Super Hornet was on approach to land at the naval air station and crashed into the water about a mile east of the runway.
UPDATE: We are sad to report that both aviators have been declared deceased. Their families are in our prayers. Per policy, we will withhold notification pending NOK notification.
— flynavy (@flynavy) March 15, 2018
The pilot and weapons system officer ejected and were recovered, but US Naval Air Forces reported late on Wednesday night that both had died. Their names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The cause of the crash is also under investigation.
Please join me with your thoughts and prayers for both aviators, their families and our incredible @USNavy. https://t.co/60bHhrp8Y1
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 15, 2018
The aircraft crew is based out of Naval Air Station Oceana, in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The Super Hornet is a twin-engine fighter jet that is larger than the single-seat F/A-18 Hornet.
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