Navy plane crashes near Bloxom

Pictured: A Navy plane searches for the four members aboard an aircraft that crashed near Bloxom Monday afternoon.

An E-2C Hawkeye, assigned to Airborne Command & Control Squadron (VAW) 120 Fleet Replacement Squadron on board Naval Station Norfolk, crashed near Bloxom on Mason Road Monday afternoon. According to Commander. Jennifer  , Public Affairs Officer, Command Naval Air Force Atlantic, the crash occurred at 3:50 PM. The two pilots and two crew members bailed out of the aircraft  and parachuted safely. At the time of the crash, the E-2 was conducting a training flight. The plane crashed in the middle of a soybean field on Mason Road west of Bloxom. 

Upon impact, the plane erupted in flames and was fully involved when first responders arrived. 

Units from Bloxom, Parksley, and the Accomack Department of Emergency Services, the Accomack County Sheriff’s Department, the Virginia State Police and other law enforcement agencies including the VMRC responded to the crash scene.  A command center was established on St. Thomas Road.  Drones from the Accomack County  Department of Emergency Services were utilized to help locate the final crew member.

Initial reports indicate no structures or personnel on the ground were damaged or injured in the mishap.

Multiple agencies assisted in locating the pilot and crew. 

The cause of the mishap is under investigation.

The crew remained on scene pending the arrival of Naval investigators.  The scene was cleared at approximately 5:25 with units returning to service. 

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