Nov. 22 (UPI) — A U.S. Navy aircraft with 11 people on board crashed into the Philippine Sea off Japan on Wednesday, authorities said.
The C-2 “Greyhound” crashed about 500 nautical miles southeast of Okinawa on its way to the USS Ronald Reagan, from the Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni.
The Navy said the C-2, a high-wing transport aircraft, was conducting a routine flight with passengers and cargo when it crashed.
Navy officials said 8 people were rescued and in “good condition.” They were transferred to the USS Ronald Reagan for medical evaluation.
Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense forces are looking for the remaining three.
The Reagan was participating in a drill with Japanese forces, but it’s unclear whether the aircraft carrier was also searching for the missing passengers.
The cause is under investigation, but Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera told reporters Wednesday that engine trouble may have been a factor.
8 personnel recovered following C2-A crash have been transferred to #USSRonaldReagan for medical evaluation and are in good condition. Search and rescue efforts for three personnel continue with @USNavy and #JMSDF ships and aircraft on scene. https://t.co/uuIWd9SUSF pic.twitter.com/rvFC81Qbqq- 7th Fleet (@US7thFleet) November 22, 2017
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