U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler Crashes into San Diego Bay, Pilots Safely Eject
A U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler fighter jet crashed into the San Diego Bay near Shelter Island on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, while attempting to land. The incident occurred around 10:15 a.m. near 1561 Shelter Island Drive, close to the Kona Kai San Diego Resort. The aircraft, assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 135 based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Washington, was in San Diego for an exercise.
Both pilots on board safely ejected from the aircraft and were rescued by a nearby fishing vessel within a minute of the crash. They were subsequently transferred to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection boat and transported to UC San Diego Medical Center in Hillcrest, where they were reported to be in stable condition.
The U.S. Coast Guard established a safety zone around the crash site to prevent other vessels from entering the area. Naval Base Coronado set up an emergency operations center, and recovery efforts were underway to retrieve the wreckage. Oil was observed seeping into the bay during the recovery process.
Witnesses described hearing loud jet engines followed by an eerie silence after the crash. The cause of the incident remains under investigation by the U.S. Navy. The EA-18G Growler is a variant of the F/A-18 Super Hornet, equipped with advanced electronic warfare capabilities.
U.S. Navy fighter jet crashes near Shelter Island while attempting to land
A military plane crashed into the San Diego Bay near Shelter Island while attempting to land, according to the U.S. Navy.
fox5sandiego.com
San Diego Union-Tribune
San Diego, California and National News
www.sandiegouniontribune.com
Military Aircraft Crashes Into San Diego Bay
Two pilots were rescued, officials said.
patch.com
Navy fighter jet crashes into San Diego Bay near naval air station; 2 pilots rescued
Two military pilots were rescued after their Boeing EA-18G Growler jet crashed into the water in San Diego Bay on Wednesday morning. It's unclear what
www.foxnews.com
2 pilots rescued after military plane crashes into San Diego Bay
A military plane crashed into the San Diego Bay near Shelter Island Wednesday morning, officials said.
www.kcra.com
Military plane crashes into San Diego Bay
Two pilots were rescued after a military plane crash-landed off of Shelter Island.
www.cbs8.com