A U.S. Navy electronic-warfare aircraft unexpectedly crashed into San Diego Bay near Naval Air Station North Island, sending two service members to the hospital.
The Navy confirmed the aircraft, a Boeing EA-18G Growler, had two pilots on board, both of whom were rescued. The incident was reported by San Diego Fire Department officials shortly after 10:16 a.m. local time near Shelter Island.
The Coast Guard San Diego Office reported that the pilots were rescued by a nearby fishing vessel. Following their rescue, the pilots were transferred to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Air and Marine Operations.
According to the Coast Guard, both pilots were taken to a local hospital and are in stable condition. A Navy official speaking mentioned that it is unclear if a distress signal was sent prior to the crash.
The identities of the pilots remain undisclosed. Reporters present at the scene observed the fighter jet take off from the runway before crashing into the water, as reported by KGTV.
San Diego’s fire officials responded swiftly, deploying 60 personnel to the crash site. The response included two fire trucks, a foam truck, five engines, a helicopter, two boats, and a lifeguard river team.
The Coast Guard noted that the pilots were in the water for approximately one minute before being rescued.
Boeing describes the EA-18G Growler as an advanced airborne electronic attack aircraft. It plays a crucial role in providing tactical jamming and electronic protection to U.S. military forces and their allies worldwide. The fighter jet is estimated to have a cost of $67 million, according to the Navy.
This crash follows a troubling trend of plane crashes occurring across the country. A Navy official reiterated the uncertainty surrounding whether a distress signal was sent out before the crash. The wreckage of the aircraft remains submerged in the bay waters.
In another incident, an Army Black Hawk helicopter collided midair with a commercial passenger plane near Reagan National Airport on January 29.
This tragic event resulted in the loss of 67 lives. A few days later, a medical ambulance plane carrying a young girl who had just received life-saving treatment crashed in Philadelphia, claiming the lives of all six passengers and one person on the ground.
Most recently, a private jet owned by Vince Neil, the lead singer of Mötley Crüe, was involved in a fatal crash at Scottsdale Airport in Arizona.
These incidents highlight the increasing number of aviation accidents. The community mourns the lives lost and the impact on the families affected.
