Pilots rescued as US fighter jet crashes into Philippine Sea

US war plane is second one to crash in a month

The US F/A-18 Hornet had a mechanical problem during routine operations in the Philippine Sea. (TED ALJIBE/

(AFP/Getty Images))

A US 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.

Associated Press