KEY WEST, Fla. -- Two Sailors have died after a Navy jet went down during a mishap Wednesday, according to the Navy.
The pilot was in a F/A-18 Super Hornet that is a part of Strike Fighter Squadron 213, the “Blacklions,” based out of Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach.
The crash happened at 4:30 p.m. in shallow waters. The aircraft went down one mile off the runway on final approach Boca Chica Field, Naval Air Station, Key West.
According to a Navy official, the pilot and weapons system officer were recovered and taken to the Lower Keys Medical Center, and they have both been declared dead.
The victims' names are being withheld until their next of kin have been notified.
Officials said the aircraft was conducting a training flight.
The cause of the mishap is currently under investigation.
