An EA-18G Growler, the Navy’s premier electronic warfare aircraft, crashed into San Diego Bay Wednesday morning. Both pilots ejected safely and were quickly recovered from the wate
The jet went down at approximately 10:15 a.m., just off Shelter Island, a waterfront community across from Naval Air Station North Island. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft lose altitude before it plunged into the water.
Local fisherman Mark Reynolds described the moment of impact: “I was out on my boat when I saw the jet coming in low. Then, boom—big splash, and two parachutes popped open. It was surreal.”
Emergency responders, including the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department and Harbor Police, arrived swiftly. According to first responders, the pilots were retrieved within minutes and transported to a local hospital for evaluation. Their condition remains undisclosed.
Rescue teams also worked to contain a fuel spill from the downed aircraft. Coast Guard crews deployed containment booms to limit the environmental impact.
US Navy jet CRASHES in San Diego Bay
— News Now (@NewsNowUS) February 12, 2025
Coastguard plane circles over area, with 2 crew pulled out of water and taken to hospital
They'd been flying a Boeing Growler electronic warfare jet pic.twitter.com/LLPQYcIgT6
This crash comes amid ongoing military exercises in Southern California. The Navy has not yet confirmed whether the Growler was participating in the operation at the time of the accident.
The EA-18G Growler, a modified version of the F/A-18 Super Hornet, is the Navy’s backbone for electronic attack missions. The aircraft plays a crucial role in jamming enemy radar and communications, ensuring American air superiority. Each unit costs approximately $67 million.
“This aircraft is vital to modern combat operations,” said retired Navy commander Jack Simmons. “It’s troubling to see another incident like this, especially after the Washington state crash last October that took the lives of two brave pilots.”
That October crash, which occurred near Mt. Rainier, was the most recent in a string of Growler mishaps. Despite its advanced capabilities, the aircraft’s high-tech systems require precise handling, and mechanical failures have been a concern in past accidents.
Military officials are investigating the cause of the crash. “Safety is our top priority,” said a Navy spokesperson. “We will conduct a thorough review to determine what went wrong.”
As recovery efforts continue, San Diego residents and military families await further details, hoping for answers about the future reliability of the Growler fleet.
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5 plane crashes already this year? Need to keep up on maintenance…
Why do urinalists always want to toss in price of military aircraft? They don\’t mention aircraft prices when a commercial plane crashes.
2.12.2025 Thank GOD the pilots ejected safely and will recover
Thank GOD that the plane did not hit anyone or any building.
Yes a lost of 125MILLION per plane, but lives were saved.
As for 125Million per plane, does it really cost that much with R&D etc to build these and indeed any military and commercial aircraft. I am sure Biden got 10%
Hope Mr Musk and his team digs deep and sees the waste built into these contracts and how much profit is hidden and never taxed by these vendors.
I want the best plane, ships etc built and I want our military well protected but we need to cut the 20-40% waste in these contracts
GOD Save our UNION
The latest catastrophe Sent from my iPhone