A pilot's dramatic escape from a plane that crashed into the Pacific Ocean off California's Central Coast has prompted an investigation. The plane, an MK-58 Hawker Hunter, plunged into the water after the pilot reported trouble while flying on Tuesday evening. The crash triggered an emergency response near Morro Bay, where the pilot was rescued after ejecting from the aircraft.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the plane crashed near San Luis Obispo around 6:50 p.m. after the pilot reported an engine issue. The FAA spokesperson stated that only the pilot was on board and that the agency will investigate the incident.
The Navy has grounded Hawker Hunters operated by Airborne Tactical Advantage Company (ATAC) while the incident is under investigation. The aircraft was being flown in support of a Navy and Marine Corps contract when it went down. Before the crash, the pilot issued a mayday call and reported losing engine thrust, according to air traffic control audio obtained by ABC from LiveATC.net.
The pilot's mayday call was recorded by air traffic control, with the pilot saying "Mayday, mayday, mayday. I have lost thrust in my engine." The incident is the latest in a series of recent aviation incidents that have prompted emergency responses. The FAA is actively investigating the incident, but no additional details are known at this time.
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