Three Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) officers were returning from a visit to the National Naval Aviation Museum in the US, when they met with a road accident.

Lieutenant (LTA) Chee Zhi Hao, 21, LTA Lim Jun Kai, 23, and LTA Ingkiriwang Wei Zhi Reeve, 22, all pilot trainees, are in the US to attend a helicopter course at the US Army Aviation Center, Fort Rucker, Alabama.

The three were on their way back from their museum visit when their car left the right side of the road and struck a parked truck with no one inside. (Note: they drive on the right side of the road in the US)

The most seriously injured LTA Chee was evacuated by air to the Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, Florida, where he received immediate medical attention.

He was pronounced dead at about 9.20pm (11.20am Singapore time).

LTA Lim was taken to and warded at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center, Florida, and is now in stable condition, according to Singapore's Ministry of Defence (Mindef).

While LTA Reeve Ingkiriwang received treatment from the Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast, Florida and has since been discharged.

The US authorities are investigating the accident.

Twenty-one-year-old LTA Chee completed his 10-month Basic Flying Training course in May this year.

In a press statement from Mindef, LTC Michael Tan, Commanding Officer of 130 Squadron, where LTA Chee attended the course, said: "Zhi Hao was a good team player and will be remembered by those who went through Basic Flying Training with him as one who was always ready to help others. He was well liked and will be missed by his instructors and his course mates."

Mindef and the Singapore Armed Forces extend their deepest condolences to the family of the late LTA Chee and will assist the family in their time of grief.