This afternoon, an advanced F/A-18D Hornet fighter jet crashed in South Carolina. No injuries have yet been reported and the cause of the crash is still unknown.
According to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s department, deputies were in contact with the pilot and co-pilot when the plane went down.
Military plane crash near Halfmoon Island, Lobeco; pilot and co-pilot safe https://t.co/Re0CIfxPmX
— Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, SC (@bcsopio) March 3, 2022
The crash occurred in an unpopulated near Halfmoon Island, Lobeco (just north of Beaufort) between Witsell Road and Keans Neck Road:
The Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort just released the following statement about the incident:
“A 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) F/A-18D Hornet crashed at approximately 3:15 p.m. today while conducting a routine flight in Beaufort, South Carolina.
There were no fatalities as a result of the crash. Both Marines onboard the jet safely ejected with no injuries and are in stable condition. The aircraft crashed in an unpopulated area near Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina.
The aircraft is assigned to Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533 (VMFA(AW)-533), Marine Aircraft Group 31, 2nd MAW.
A safety investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the mishap.
For public safety, people should avoid the area and local residents should remain indoors to the maximum extent possible as there is smoke from both the aircraft and a brushfire. Air station fire and emergency services are on scene.”
We will update this article as new information is released.