US F-35 jet crashes on aircraft in South China Sea, injures seven

Washington: A US military fighter jet crashed while conducting routine flight operations in the South China Sea, resulting in seven sailors being injured and some needing to be transported for medical treatment on land. 

According to the US Navy, at least seven military personnel sustained injuries after an F-35C warplane had a "landing mishap" on the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson in the South China Sea.

The pilot of the plane was able to eject safely and was recovered via a military helicopter. They are in stable condition, the Navy added.

As per the official statement, three of navy personnel required evacuation to a medical facility in Manila and four were treated by on-board the carrier and released. The F-35 jet is made by Lockheed Martin.

However, the cause of the accident is under investigation.

In 2021, the War Zone reported that a British F-35B crashed during takeoff while operating from the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth. 

At that time, the F-35B pilot also safely ejected, and the aircraft was later recovered from the Mediterranean Sea.