US Combat Jet Crashes in South China Sea Exercise, 7 Hurt

FILE -- In this photo provided by the US. Navy, the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson participates in a group sail during the Rim of the Pacific exercise off the coast of Hawaii, July 26, 2018. (Petty Officer 1st Class Arthurgwain L. Marquez/US Navy via AP, File)

A US Navy F35C Lightning II combat jet conducting exercises in the South China Sea crashed while trying to land on the deck of an American aircraft carrier, injuring seven sailors, the military said Tuesday.

The pilot was able to eject before the aircraft hit the deck of the USS Carl Vinson on Monday and was safely recovered by a helicopter, said Lt. Mark Langford, a spokesman for the US 7th Fleet.