U.S. Navy plane carrying four service members crashes in the North Arabian Sea

March 31st, 2010 - 7:53 pm ICT by BNO News  

MANAMA, BAHRAIN (BNO NEWS) — Three U.S. service members were injured and a fourth remains missing after a U.S. Navy aircraft crashed in the North Arabian Sea on Wednesday, officials said.

The E-2C Hawkeye aircraft from the Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, stationed aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, crashed at sea at approximately 2 p.m. local time while operating in the North Arabian Sea.

“Three of the four crew members have been rescued and returned to the ship,” a statement from the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet. “Search and rescue efforts for the fourth crew member are currently underway.” A spokesman said the service members are recovering, but had no details on their conditions.

The E-2C was returning from conducting operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) when the aircraft experienced mechanical malfunctions and the crew performed a controlled bailout.

The E-2 Hawkeye is the Navy’s all-weather, carrier-based tactical battle management airborne early warning, command and control aircraft. The E-2 is a twin engine, five crewmember, high-wing turboprop aircraft with a 24-foot diameter radar rotodome attached to the upper fuselage.

The U.S. Navy said the incident is under investigation.

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