We lost a couple good ones today.
Two people have died after a United States Navy F-18 fighter jet ‘bursts into flames and plummeted into the ocean’ near Key West.
The Hornet fighter jet, part of Strike Fighter Squadron 213, the ‘Blacklions’, apparently caught fire and plummeted into the ocean near Key West at around 4.30pm,Florida Keys News reported.
The pilot and and a weapons system officer were able to parachute to safety, Commander Dave Hecht, a spokesperson for the Key West Naval Air Station toldABC 10.
Both were rescued and taken to the Lower Keys Medical Center. They later died in hospital.
We are sad to report that both aviators have been declared deceased,’ the Naval Air Forces said in a tweet.
‘Their families are in our prayers. Per policy, we will withhold notification pending NOK (next of kin) notification.’
President Donald Trump has also tweeted his condolences, writing: ‘Please join me with your thoughts and prayers for both aviators, their families and our incredible @USNavy.’
Witnesses said it looked like the plane had some sort of explosion in the air before crashing into the water.
‘I saw the fire and then it just dropped,’ Barbie Wilson told the paper.
She lives nearby and was…