Two aviators killed in Super Hornet jet crash - US Navy

15 March 2018 - 07:28
By Reuters
US Navy handout photo shows an F/A-18F Super Hornet.
Image: Alexander DELGADO / US Navy / AFP US Navy handout photo shows an F/A-18F Super Hornet.

The US Navy said on Wednesday two aviators had been killed in a F/A-18F Super Hornet crash during a training flight off the coast of Key West, Florida.

The Navy said in a statement the pilot and weapons systems officer were recovered from the water and declared dead after the two-seater jet crashed on its final approach to Naval Air Station Key West. The incident is under investigation, it said.

U.S. President Donald Trump said in a statement posted on Twitter early Thursday: "Please join me with your thoughts and prayers for both aviators, their families and our incredible @USNavy."

A Navy spokesperson also said in a statement that the names of the aviators are being withheld pending notifications of their families.

"Their families are in our prayers," the statement said.