Marine Pilot in Stable Condition After Harrier Jet Crash

Marine Corps Harrier jet crashes off Wrightsville Beach
StarNews Staff
Published: Friday, May 6, 2016

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH -- A Marine Corps Harrier jet crashed into the Atlantic Ocean late Friday afternoon, prompting an ocean rescue of its pilot.

Town Manager Tim Owens confirmed the crash, saying the plane ended up in the water about a mile-and-a-half offshore.

A spokesman from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point said the pilot was from Marine Attack Squadron 542.

"We can confirm that a pilot with Marine Attack Squadron 542, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing ejected from an AV-8B Harrier at approximately 5:05 p.m. off the coast of Wilmington, N.C.," said Marine Lt. Maida Zheng.

According to Zheng, the pilot was rescued by an H-60 Seahawk helicopter at about 5:28 p.m. The pilot, who has not been identified, is in stable condition at Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune.
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