In a troubling trend for military aviation, a fighter jet was lost after falling off the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier into the Red Sea on May 7, 2025. This marks the second incident in just over a week, raising concerns about safety protocols aboard naval vessels.
- Two fighter jets lost from USS Harry S. Truman
- Minor injuries reported in recent incident
- Failed arrestment caused jet to fall
- Previous incident involved a towed aircraft
- Investigations underway for both mishaps
- F/A-18F and F/A-18E jets involved
The F/A-18F Super Hornet was attempting to land when it failed to catch the arresting wire, resulting in a “failed arrestment.” Fortunately, the two aviators ejected safely, sustaining only minor injuries.
This series of incidents begs the question: what measures are being taken to enhance safety during landings on aircraft carriers? The U.S. Navy is currently investigating both occurrences, which include:
- First incident on April 28 involved a Super Hornet being towed.
- Both jets were high-value assets, with the F/A-18E valued at $67 million.
- Initial reports suggest mechanical failure during landing.
- Minor injuries were reported, highlighting the importance of pilot safety protocols.
As investigations unfold, it is crucial for the Navy to address these issues and implement changes to prevent future accidents. Will these incidents lead to significant reforms in naval aviation safety?
