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Military jet clips cargo plane during in-flight refueling; both crash in East Valley

092920 plane crash 1

Nine people are safe after a military cargo plane clipped a fighter plane mid-air above Thermal Tuesday afternoon. The cargo plane made an emergency landing in a farm field there, while the jet crashed in the desert near Salton City.

Military officials said it happened during an in-flight refueling operation.

The cargo plane, a KC-130 tanker, appeared to have two of its propellors missing. Fuel was seen leaking out of its wing.

The Marine Corps said there were eight people on board; all were reported to be safe following the emergency landing.

The F-35 jet crashed deep in the desert area west of the Salton Sea. The military set up a 1-mile perimeter surrounding the wreckage. The pilot of that aircraft ejected out, parachuted to the ground and is now being treated for possible injuries.

The official cause of the crash remains under investigation. Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates.

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Jesus Reyes

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