Navy EA-18G Growler Crashes in San Diego Bay; Crew Rescued and in Stable Condition

Executive Summary

A U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 135 crashed into San Diego Bay while attempting to land at Naval Air Station North Island. Both aviators successfully ejected and were rescued by a sport fishing charter before being transferred to a Customs and Border Protection vessel and taken to a local hospital. The aircraft, which had traveled from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island for an exercise, was not part of the air wing currently training with the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group. Emergency response teams have contained debris and fuel spills, and an investigation into the cause of the crash is underway.

Analysis

The crash occurred at approximately 10:15 AM PDT, with radio traffic confirming that the aircraft flew over the runway before both pilots ejected. The plane then crashed into the water off Shelter Island, just across the bay from the naval station. Witness reports and security footage indicate the Growler descended rapidly at a steep angle before impact.

Following the crash, emergency response teams quickly mobilized to recover debris and mitigate environmental hazards, particularly a large fuel spill from the wreckage. Both pilots were conscious and in stable condition upon rescue, later being transported to UC San Diego Health for medical evaluation.

The EA-18G Growler, a specialized electronic warfare variant of the F/A-18 Super Hornet, plays a crucial role in suppressing enemy air defenses and electronic jamming operations. This latest accident adds to a troubling series of military aviation incidents in recent months, including the October 2024 crash of another Growler near Mt. Rainier, Washington, which resulted in the deaths of both pilots.

This incident also follows other recent high-profile military aircraft crashes. On January 29, 2025, an Air Force F-35 crashed at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska, with the pilot ejecting safely. Just days later, on January 31, a mid-air collision between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet near Washington, D.C., resulted in 67 fatalities, marking the deadliest U.S. aviation disaster in over two decades.

The Navy has launched a full investigation into the Growler crash to determine whether mechanical failure, pilot error, or environmental factors played a role. With an increasing number of military aircraft incidents, concerns over maintenance, pilot training, and operational readiness have been reignited within defense circles.

Sources

• USNI News: Navy Growler Crashes Off Coast of San Diego; Crew Ejects and Recovered

• New York Post: Military Fighter Jet Crashes Into Water Off San Diego’s Point Loma Coast

• ABC News: F-35 Crashes at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska; Pilot Ejects Safely

• Associated Press: Deadly Collision Between Passenger Jet and Army Helicopter