RSAF trainee hurt after jet piloted by US instructor crash-landed in Pensacola, Florida

RSAF Lieutenant (LTA) Lu Zhen Yang Ephraim, 31, was undergoing a routine training flight when it crash landed on the runway at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida. -- PHOTO: LTA EPHRAIM LU'S FACEBOOK PAGE
RSAF Lieutenant (LTA) Lu Zhen Yang Ephraim, 31, was undergoing a routine training flight when it crash landed on the runway at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida. -- PHOTO: LTA EPHRAIM LU'S FACEBOOK PAGE

A Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) trainee suffered arm and rib fractures after the United States Navy training jet he was in crash-landed at an air base in Florida at about 10.30am US time on Monday.

Lieutenant (LTA) Ephraim Lu Zhen Yang, a weapon systems officer, was on a routine training flight when it crash-landed on a runway at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, said a Ministry of Defence statement on Wednesday.

He is undergoing treatment at a local hospital and the RSAF is currently assisting LTA Lu's family, read the statement. The US Navy is investigating the cause of the crash.

The 31-year-old was in the backseat of a US Navy T-45C Goshawk training jet piloted by a US Navy instructor pilot at that time, as part of a Weapon Systems Officer (Fighter) Course conducted by the US Navy, said Mindef.

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