Two US Navy Aviators Killed in F/A-18F Super Hornet Crash

The US Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet crashed off the coast of Key West, Florida, killing two personnel onboard, during a routine training flight on Wednesday, USNI News reports.

The fighter suffered a mishap on approach to Naval Air Station Key West and search and rescue team recovered both the pilot and weapons systems officer from the water approximately one mile east of the runway. The cause of the mishap is currently under investigation.

“Search and rescue crews were notified shortly after the crash where they recovered both the pilot and weapons systems officer from the water approximately one mile east of the runway. Both were taken by ambulance to Lower Keys Medical Center,” read a statement from commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic. “Both aviators have been declared deceased. Per Department of Defense policy, the names of the aviators are being withheld until 24 hours after next-of-kin notification.”

The F/A-18F is a dual-seated aircraft assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron Two One Three(VFA-213) based at Naval Air Station Oceana and was conducting a training flight.