Also, Fatality In Indian Sea Harrier Accident

The pilot of a Marine AV-8B Harrier is safe after ejecting from his disabled aircraft off the coast of St. Augustine, FL Tuesday morning, and being plucked from the water by a Coast Guard vessel about four hours later.

Another pilot saw the Marine pilot eject from the fighter as it went down at approximately 9:20 am local Tuesday morning, and the Coast Guard was notified of the accident. The Harrier went down roughly 20 miles from shore, according to media reports, and an oil slick was reported around the accident site.

The pilot, whose name was not immediately released, was taken to a Mayport, FL hospital for medical tests. His seriousness of his injuries, if any, is unknown.

The AV-8B Harrier (file photo of type, ) was assigned to Cherry Point, NC's Marine Attack Training Squadrom 203.

It is the second accident involving a Harrier in two days. On Monday, an Indian Navy Sea Harrier went down shortly after takeoff from Dabolim Airport in the Goa Region. The pilot was killed in the accident.

FMI: www.marines.mil