Officials: 2 aboard Navy jet die after crash in Key West
KEY WEST, Fla. (WAVY) – Two Naval Air Station Oceana-based aviators have died after their F/A-18F jet crashed Wednesday afternoon during a training flight in Key West, according to Navy officials.
The two crew members were in an F/A-18F Super Hornet that was on its final approach to Boca Chica Field at Naval Air Station Key West at the time of the crash around 4:30 p.m.
Officials say both the pilot and the weapons systems officer ejected from the jet and landed in the water.
The two were recovered approximately a mile east of the runway and taken to the hospital, where they later died. The crew members were part of the Strike Fighter Squadron 213 (VFA-213) Blacklions, which is currently serving on the carrier George H.W. Bush.
A witness told Miami’s ABC affiliate the jet exploded in the air and crashed.
Navy officials have released few details at the moment. They called the incident a “mishap” and say the investigation into the crash remains ongoing.