A U.S. Navy fighter jet crashed into the San Diego Harbor on Wednesday morning. Fortunately, both pilots on board managed to eject safely before being rescued by the Coast Guard. The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department confirmed the incident.
Pilots Rescued and in Good Condition
According to the Navy, the two pilots were in good condition after the crash. However, they were placed under 24-hour medical observation as a precaution. The crash involved a two-seat EA-18 Growler jet, which went down around 10:15 a.m. local time.
How the Rescue Happened
The Coast Guard reported that a nearby fishing boat quickly pulled the pilots from the water just a minute after they ejected. Thanks to the quick response, both pilots were safe and received immediate medical attention.
What Caused the Crash?
The exact cause of the crash is still under investigation. However, officials revealed that the pilots ejected while performing a “go-around maneuver.” This maneuver is used when a plane has already landed but needs to take off again. Something went wrong during this process, leading to the crash.
Securing the Crash Site
Authorities have secured the crash site to prevent any further risks. The Navy has asked the public to report any debris they find so it can be safely recovered. Investigators will analyze the wreckage to determine what caused the accident.
Jet Was Part of a Training Exercise
The aircraft was in San Diego for the Bamboo Eagle integrated training exercise, a military operation involving multiple forces. The jet was flying out of North Island Naval Air Station.
Airfield Closure and Future Flights
Following the crash, the airfield was temporarily closed to ensure safety. However, officials expect it to reopen soon so that the training exercise can continue.
This incident highlights the risks pilots face during military exercises, but thanks to their training and the quick response of rescue teams, a tragedy was avoided. The Navy will continue its investigation to prevent similar accidents in the future.
