Harrier 'jump jet' crashes in England

ASHWELL, England, June 16 (UPI) -- British officials said Monday they are investigating what caused a Royal Air Force Harrier "jump jet" to crash into an open area in the Mainlands of England.

The pilot activated the ejector seat to get out of the GR7 jet before it went down near the village of Ashwell in Rutland County, The Times of London reported Monday.

"It is too early to say what might have caused the incident. However, a board of inquiry is being convened," a Ministry of Defense spokesman said.

The pilot of the aircraft, which was being operated out of RAF Cottesmore in Leicestershire, was rushed to a medical center, but their condition has not been released, the report said.

"All residents of Rutland value RAF Cottesmore's role in our community and I'm very pleased that it appears that no one was seriously hurt in this incident," local official Alan Duncan told Sky News.