A US Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jet has crashed into the Pacific Ocean off the southern coast of California, on the same day when an AV-8B Harrier jet crashed into a residential area in the region.
The F/A-18E Super Hornet was approaching the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) on 4 June when the accident occurred.
The jet had been on its regular operations with the Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 81, which is based at Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana, a statement from the US Navy said.
The Naval Air Force Pacific Public Affairs commander noted that the pilot, who ejected the jet soon after the incident, was recovered safely and is in a stable condition.
The US Navy statement said: "All remaining airborne aircraft were safely diverted to NAS North Island in Coronado, California, landing at approximately 11pm PST. All air operations have ceased aboard Carl Vinson until further notice."
The jet has still not been recovered. A safety investigation will be undertaken to determine the cause of the crash.
Carl Vinson and the embarked Carrier Air Wing 17 are participating in the ongoing Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX), which is aimed at testing the capability of a strike group to operate in hostile and complex environments with other US and coalition forces.
An AV-8B Harrier jet belonging to the US Marine Corps crashed into a suburb in southern California on Wednesday.
At least three houses were severely damaged in the incident.
Image: An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Dambusters of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195. Photo: courtesy of the US Navy, photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Trevor Welsh.
