Navy warplane down in 2nd crash from US carrier in month

TOKYO — A U.S. Navy warplane belonging to the aircraft career USS Ronald Reagan has crashed into the sea northeast of the Philippines, but its two aviators were safely rescued.

The Navy's 7th Fleet said in a statement that the F/A-18 Hornet had a mechanical problem during Monday's routine operations in the Philippine Sea.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

The Navy said the aviators were immediately plucked from the water by a rescue aircraft and brought back to the ship. It said they are both in good condition.

It was the second crash involving USS Ronald Reagan in less than a month.

In mid-October, a MH-60 Seahawk crashed shortly after takeoff, causing non-fatal injuries to a dozen sailors.