1 dead, 2 rescued by Coast Guard after Navy aircraft crashes off Virginia coast

Two crew members have non-life-threatening injuries.

March 31, 2022, 12:33 AM

One crew member is dead and two were rescued after a Navy aircraft crashed off the Virginia coast Wednesday, according to the U.S. Navy.

The E-2D Hawkeye, which was assigned to an East Coast Airborne Command and Control Squadron, crashed at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the vicinity of Wallops Island and Chincoteague, Virginia, officials said.

Two crew members were rescued by U.S. Coast Guard search and are being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The third crew member was found dead on the aircraft, the Navy said.

The Navy said the name of the crew member killed would be released once next of kin are notified.

PHOTO: In this photo made available by the U.S. Coast Guard, the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Stratton conducts patrols in Fiji's exclusive economic zone with Fijian law enforcement personnel in February 2022.
In this photo made available by the U.S. Coast Guard, the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Stratton conducts patrols in Fiji's exclusive economic zone with Fijian law enforcement personnel in February 2022. The U.S. partnership with Fiji is one of 11 between the U.S. and Pacific Island countries, with a possible 12th on the horizon — each meant to stave off the economic collapse and regional instability that could follow if waters are fished to depletion.
AP

The cause of the crash is not known at this time.

U.S. Rep. Elaine Luria, D-Va., tweeted that she is monitoring the situation.

"I'm keeping our naval aviators, their families, and our first responders in my thoughts and prayers tonight as rescue and recovery efforts continue," Luria said.

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