U.S. Navy Pilots Hurt in F-35 'Landing Mishap' Near South China Sea

JAKARTADAILY.ID - Seven personnel were injured on Monday when an F-35C fighter plane had a "landing mishap" on the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson in the South China Sea. According to the United States Navy, Reuters reported Monday.

The US Navy reported that the incident occurred when the ship was conducting "normal flight operations". The released statement also said three of the personnel were evacuated to a medical facility in Manila and four were treated onboard. After the treatment, they were released as they did not have serious injuries.

"The pilot safely ejected from the aircraft and was recovered via U.S. military helicopter," the statement read. "The pilot is in stable condition. There were seven total sailors injured."

The Navy revealed that the reason for the "in-flight mishap" was being investigated by the appropriate authorities.

The USS Carl Vinson was deployed from San Diego in August last year following a $367 million overhaul that enabled it to house the F-35C Lightning II, one of the world's most advanced fighter jets.

The voyage marked the first time a carrier strike group deployed with capabilities compatible with both the fighter jet and the Navy CMV-22B Osprey aircraft.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon said that two U.S. Navy Carrier Strike Groups, commanded by USS Carl Vinson and USS Abraham Lincoln started their operations in the South China Sea on Sunday. The carriers were in close proximity to the disputed region for training.