A Navy T-45C Goshawk training jet crashed into a residential area in Lake Worth, Texas, on Sunday morning, injuring its two pilots but leaving local residents unharmed, Lake Worth Police Chief J.T. Manoushagian confirmed in a media briefing.
Driving the news: Both the jet instructor pilot and the student naval aviator ejected from the aircraft and were taken to a hospital to be treated for their injuries. No details are available as to what caused the crash.
- "The instructor pilot is in stable condition; the student naval aviator’s condition is unknown but he is alive and receiving treatment," the Naval Air Training Command tweeted.
- Three homes were damaged by the aircraft's wings or debris before it crashed into a backyard. Residents of those homes have been temporarily displaced but are receiving assistance from the Red Cross, Lake Worth Fire Chief Ryan Arthur said at the briefing.
- A two- to three-block area — encompassing 60 to 70 residents — has been impacted by the crash. Arthur added that power lines may be out for several days as debris is cleared from the area before utilities can be secured again.
- Arthur warned residents to keep away from the crash area, noting that it will be "hazardous" for the time being.
- The crash took place near a local middle school, but school operations are expected to continue uninterrupted on Monday, Manoushagian said.
What they're saying: “This incident could have been much worse, knowing that this plane went down in a residential area here in Lake Worth," Arthur said.
- “Our hearts go out to these military members and their families," Manoushagian said.