British F-35 Fighter Crashes into Mediterranean
A British F-35 fighter crashed during a routine flight over the Mediterranean Sea, and the pilot reportedly ejected.
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Two Lockheed Martin Corp F-35 stealth fighter jets fly during a display at the Avalon Airshow in Victoria, Australia, March 3, 2017 (Credit: Reuters)
An F35 fighter from the biggest British aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, crashed into the Mediterranean Sea on Wednesday during a routine flight over the sea.
The British ministry of defense reported that the pilot ejected during a routine operation over international waters, assuring that no other vessels or aircraft were involved.
The reason behind the incident was not clear.
"A British F35 pilot from HMS Queen Elizabeth ejected during routine flying operations in the Mediterranean this morning," a spokesperson for the defense ministry said.
"The pilot has been safely returned to the ship and an investigation has begun, so it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time."
HMS Queen Elizabeth carries eight F-35, four Wildcat attack helicopters, seven Merlin Mk 2s, and three Merlin Mk 4s.
The attack group is accompanied by six ships, a royal navy submarine, a US destroyer, and a Dutch frigate as part of the first fifth-generation ship voyage that began on May 22.
