World

U.S. Navy F/A 18 fighter jet crashes into Philippine Sea; both pilots safe

Updated on: November 12, 2018 / 2:25 AM EST / CBS/AP

TOKYO -- A U.S. Navy fighter jet operating off the aircraft career USS Ronald Reagan crashed into the sea northeast of the Philippines Monday but both of its pilots ejected, were rescued and were in good condition, the 7th Fleet said in a statement.

It said the F/A-18 Hornet had a mechanical problem during routine operations in the Philippine Sea.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

August 2018 photo released by U.S. Navy shows aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, front, and the guided-missile destroyer USS Milius, upper-center, conducting exercise with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ships off South China Sea Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kaila V. Peters / AP

The Navy said the pilots were immediately plucked from the water by rescue aircraft from the Ronald Reagan brought back to the carrier.

It was the second crash involving 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.