NEW VIDEO: 2 aircraft crash over Imperial County
MCAS Yuma confirms accident happened during air-to-air refueling
UPDATE: (7:42 P.M.)
IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - New video coming in from Thermal, where a U.S. Marine Corp refueling aircraft made an emergency landing after a mid-air mishap involving a fighter jet.
MCAS Yuma says an F-35B made contact with a KC-130J while refueling air-to-air. The pilot of the fighter ejected safely. The jet crashed. Doctors are treating the pilot's injuries.
The refueling aircraft made an emergency landing in Thermal. None of its crew members got hurt.
The Marine Corps is investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The F-35B Lightening II is a supersonic stealth aircraft with short takeoff and vertical landing capabilities. MCAS Yuma hosts a number of F-35B squadrons.
The KC-130J is an extended-range air tanker. It's the largest aircraft flown by the Marine Corps
Tune in to News 11 Nightside, and 13 On Your Side at 10, for the latest details on this developing story.
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UPDATE (6:40 P.M.)
IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - MCAS Yuma released a statement saying two planes crashed into each other over Thermal.
CBS 13's Alexandra Rangel reports from near the scene of the crash
Marine Corps officials say the accident happened just after 4 p.m.
They say an F-35B made contact with a KC-130J during an mid-air refueling operation. The F-35B then went down.
The pilot of the F-35B ejected successfully. Doctors are treating his injuries.
The KC-130J is on deck in the vicinity of Thermal Airport. All its crew members are safe.
Officials continue to investigate the crash.
KYMA.com, News 11, and 13 On Your Side will continue to update this story as details become available.
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UPDATE (5:15 P.M.)
IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - Radio dispatch traffic now indicates two parachutes were seen coming from the aircraft. Military officials have picked up the individuals who ejected from the aircraft.
Two small fires were contained near the aircraft's location.
No other injuries were reported.
Stay with KYMA.com, News 11, and 13 On Your Side for further details.
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ORIGINAL POST:
IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - An aircraft has reportedly crashed in Slaton City near S-22 and Holly road.
The crash happened around 4:00 p.m.
According to radio dispatch first responders said the aircraft disintegrated, however, two parachutes were seen parachuting in the area following the crash.
The Imperial County Fire Department is on seen and looking for survivors.
The aircraft is believed to be an F-18. According to radio dispatch military personal is on scene helping with recovery efforts.
Stay with KYMA.com, News 11, and CBS 13 for more details on this developing story as they arise.
