Marine Crew Ejects from F/A-18D Before Crash on Plantation

An F/A-18D Hornet from Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 533 conducts air operations and maritime surface warfare training with the guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61), not pictured, in 2016. *U.S. NAVY / Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class William Jenkins*

ARLINGTON, Va. — A Marine Corps F/A-18D Hornet strike fighter crashed shortly near Beaufort, South Carolina on March 3, according to the 2^nd Marine Aircraft Wing.

The two Marines in the crew ejected safely and incurred no injuries, the Wing said in a release, which said the crash occurred approximately 3:15 p.m.

“The aircraft crashed in an unpopulated area near Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, and there was no damage to civilian property,” the Wing said.

According to television station WJCL, the Hornet crashed on the Coosaw Plantation owned by former South Carolina governor Mark Sanford.

The Hornet, assigned to the Hawks of Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533 (VMFA(AW)-533), a unit of Marine Aircraft Group 31. The squadron is one of four Hornet squadrons based at MCAS Beaufort.

The cause of the mishap will be investigated.