2 Navy Fighter Jets Crash In Persian Gulf

(CBS/AP)  Two U.S. Navy fighter jets plunged into the Persian Gulf Monday after a mid-air collision, but all three pilots were rescued safely, a top Navy commanders said Monday.

There is no word yet on their injuries, reports CBS News correspondent Bob Orr.

Preliminary reports reveal that these crashes were not due to hostile fire and were unrelated to Monday's confrontation between U.S. warships and Iranian Revolutionary Guard fast boats.

Navy Vice Adm. Kevin J. Cosgriff told reporters that the three pilots have been brought back to the USS Harry Truman, the aircraft carrier they were operating from, and are in good condition. Cosgriff, who is commander of the Navy's 5th Fleet, which is based in Bahrain, said the pilots were undergoing medical checks.

According to the Navy, teams from the Truman rescued the three aviators who ejected after their F/A-18 Super Hornets crashed during operations in the Gulf. The aircraft are from Carrier Air Wing Three, which is deployed to the Persian Gulf with the Truman Carrier Strike Group.

Cosgriff said it was a mid-air collision. Information released by the 5th Fleet said the two aircraft were providing "close air support from Iraq when they crashed."

One of the jets that crashed held two pilots, the other held just one.

The crash occurred at about 1 p.m. EST.

© MVIII, CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report

[Con Mohrat]

Northrop YB-49 Flying wing, a heavy bomber prototype
Posted by ToolMangler at 11:00 PM : Jan 08, 2008

~~~~~~~~~

Not what I meant. A Wing is a unit, composed of squadrons, usually of planes, front and back end crews and maintenance people.

[oldpilot954]

I never flew military aircraft but I''ve been around a lot of airplanes and pilots. A mid-air is a great way to get removed form flying duty -- which, to most fighter jocks, is only slightly more dreaded that being emasculated.
Some people seem to think it takes a big inattention or case of stupidity to have a mid-air. Those people who think that have fender benders at 45 mph -- they should try it driving around at 500 knots.

[toolmangler-2009]

I was in a flying wing and saw what happens to pilots who fly like Keystone Cops.
Posted by Vet1971 at 11:58 AM : Jan 08, 2008


Northrop YB-49 Flying wing, a heavy bomber prototype

[amazedd]

On a Silver-Platter, Jag-Head.

[Con Mohrat]

While glad that the flyers are all safe, someone here commited a $120 million dollar error.....
Posted by formrusmcsgt at 08:03 AM : Jan 08, 2008

~~~~~~~~~

I was in a flying wing and saw what happens to pilots who fly like Keystone Cops. We had some not paying attention after landing and speeding into the overrun; another with heavy foot on brake who blew four tires; another who aborted takeoff, turned around and immediately tried taking off in the opposite direction (with already white-hot brakes), another who exceed permitted speed, etc. etc.

They were all relieved from flying duties immediately and became desk jockies as Exec Officers, Squadron Commanders, Motor Pool Officers, and other forgotten jobs.

Here come two new squadron commanders, after the long investigations.

[prinzowhales]

Obviously, the Iranians were responsible...they exist and have oil and don''t want "worthless paper" for it.

[formrusmcsgt]

While glad that the flyers are all safe, someone here commited a $120 million dollar error.....

[jowand]

Fox News will probably say they were Al Queda terrorists working for Iran
Posted by j-whitman at 10:08 PM : Jan 07, 2008

No they won''t your just being delusional and paranoid again.

[watcher269-2009]

The Headline should read "Top Guns Ejectulated After Crash and Burn"

[Con Mohrat]

The headline could read "TOP GUNS HIT BOTTOM"