Two naval aviators die during Super Hornet training flight

By Lee Hudson / March 15, 2018 at 10:36 AM

Two naval aviators died yesterday during final approach to Boca Chica Field, FL, in an F/A-18F Super Hornet.

The jet crashed at 4:30 p.m. and search crews recovered the pilot and weapon systems officer -- both had ejected from the aircraft -- from the water roughly one mile east of the runway. The aviators were taken by ambulance to Lower Keys Medical Center where they were pronounced dead, according to a Navy statement.

The F/A-18F is a dual-seated aircraft assigned to the "Black Lions" of Strike Fighter Squadron Two One Three (VFA-213), based at Naval Air Station Oceana, VA and the cause of the mishap is currently under investigation.

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