F- 15 (Creative Commons)

Two crew members ejected from a tumbling F-15 fighter jet that smashed into Libyan soil late Monday because of an apparent mechanical failure.

Both pilots were safe and in good condition, according to the U.S. military.  The pilots had only minor injuries. They were picked up a helicopter, according to nearby villagers who heard the crash and spoke to Al Jazeera.

The Daily Telegraph reported that the villagers approached one of the pilots happily, seeking to shake his hand, hug him and thank him for supporting their cause.

During the rescue operation, six civilians were apparently shot. It's very unclear why the helicopter may have fired upon them. A family of one boy shot said they support the American troops, but his leg may need to be amputated.

Pictures released early Tuesday showed the charred remains of the plane, which exploded shortly after impact, in the middle of a grassy field. Villagers stood around it.

The U.S. military made clear that anti-aircraft fire from government forces in Libya was not the cause of the crash.