On February 13, 2025, two crew members ejected from a Navy E/A-18G Growler jet before it crashed off the San Diego coast. The incident occurred during a go-around maneuver, and both pilots were rescued shortly after by a sportfishing boat.
- Navy jet crash off San Diego coast
- Crew members ejected and rescued quickly
- Incident during a go-around maneuver
- Jet crashed after pilots ejected safely
- Both pilots hospitalized in stable condition
- Coast Guard securing wreckage of Growler
The pilots were first picked up by the Premier Sportfishing vessel and later transferred to a Customs and Border Protection craft. They were reported to be in stable condition after being taken to a hospital.
The crash of the E/A-18G Growler occurred while executing what is known as a “go-around maneuver.” This procedure involves landing an aircraft only to take off again shortly thereafter. The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation by authorities.
Witnesses aboard the Premier Sportfishing vessel reported seeing two parachutes descending into the water shortly after takeoff. Captain Brandon Viets noted that he heard an unusually loud jet noise before observing the ejection of the crew members. He promptly navigated towards them for rescue.
- The Coast Guard deployed vessels to secure the wreckage site.
- The Growler is designed for electronic warfare and typically carries two crew members.
- A similar incident last October resulted in fatalities when another Navy aircraft crashed during training in Washington state.
Both pilots were subsequently declared safe after being retrieved from the water. Their swift recovery highlights effective coordination between civilian vessels and Coast Guard operations during emergencies involving military aircraft.
This incident underscores ongoing concerns regarding military flight safety protocols, especially concerning complex maneuvers like go-arounds that require precise execution under varying conditions.
