An accident involving a fighter jet attempting to land on the deck of USS Carl Vinson in the South China Sea injured seven sailors, including three who had to be flown off the ship to a hospital, the Navy announced Monday.
The accident involved an F-35C Lightning II, which the Navy calls the world's most advanced fighter jet, and the jet's pilot was injured but able to safely eject, according to the Navy.
The accident happened during routine flight operations, the Navy said.
"The status and recovery of the aircraft is currently under investigation," Navy spokesperson Lt. Mark Langford told NBC 7.
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The pilot and two sailors were flown off the ship to a hospital in Manila, Philippines, and Langford said all three are now considered stable.
Four more sailors were treated on the ship and are also considered stable, Lt. Langford said.
USS Carl Vinson deployed from San Diego last August after undergoing a $367 million retrofit so it could accommodate the F-35C Lightning II.
