Blood covered pilot apologized for crash

Wreckage after an F-18 fighter jet crashed into a Virginia beach apartment complex. The two crew members were able to eject before the aircraft made contact.

SOUNDBITE: Unidentified bystander saying:

"We saw the parachutes in the sky. It was scary. We thought 'Oh my God, it's a jet.' We ran over there and it was a jet."

One of the building's residents says she saw one of the pilots moments later.

SOUNDBITE: Resident Joanie saying:

"He said 'I'm sorry I destroyed your home'. He was covered in blood and he was conscious. They then loaded him into an ambulance."

Officials say six people have been taken to the local hospital including the two crew members.

SOUNDBITE: Dr Thomas Thames, Vice president for medical affairs at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital saying:

"The pilots are both stable. One in good confition. One in fair condition. The smoke inhalation (patients) --- one was actually treated and released already and the three other people are still under treatment."

Hospital officials set up a triage center outside due to concerns about jet fuel and the possible need for decontamination.

One resident of the complex told local media that it looked as though the pilot may have aimed for a courtyard in the complex after it became clear the aircraft was losing altitude.

Deborah Gembara, Reuters