F/A-18 Hornet fighter pilot rescued after colliding with another jet over water near San Diego
A jet fighter pilot was rescued from waters near San Diego after colliding with another F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet.
The single-seat jets collided about 11:43 a.m. during a training mission over the water, according to the Miramar Marine Corps Air Station.
During the crash, one of the pilots safely ejected and landed in the water, the Marine Corps said. At 12:11 p.m., search and rescue units received a distress call, according to the air station.
Search crews from the aircraft carrier Carl Vinson rescued that pilot.
The second pilot landed safely at Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado, the air station said.
Both pilots were taken to medical centers for observation and are in stable condition, officials said.
The Marine Corps is investigating the cause of the crash.
The jets were from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing at Miramar Marine Corps Air Station.
Described as “the nation’s first strike-fighter,” the twin-engine attack aircraft were used during Operation Desert Storm, according to the U.S. Navy.
The aircraft is used for “force projection, interdiction and close and deep air support” during attack missions, the U.S. Navy said.
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UPDATES:
2:35 p.m.: This article was updated with details about a search crew rescuing a pilot, who was in stable condition.
This article was originally published at 1:35 p.m.
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