Super Hornet Goes Overboard: Pilots Safe After Navy Jet Plunges from Carrier Deck
Super Hornet Lost at Sea During Landing Attempt
An F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet assigned to the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier went overboard on Tuesday night during a landing attempt. Despite the alarming incident, both pilots safely ejected and were rescued by a helicopter.
Incident Details
The two-seat Super Hornet, belonging to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11, the “Red Rippers”, was approaching the carrier for a night landing around 9 p.m. local time. However, the aircraft’s arresting hook failed to connect with the wire designed to stop it on the flight deck, causing the jet to plunge into the sea. The Navy confirmed that both pilots successfully ejected and were recovered by a helicopter from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 11. They were treated for minor injuries. Thankfully, no crew members on the flight deck were hurt.
Ongoing Investigation
The exact cause of the incident is still under investigation. It’s unclear whether the arresting wire malfunctioned or if the hook on the Super Hornet failed to engage. It’s also not yet known if the incident disrupted flight operations on the carrier.
Recent Incidents
This incident follows a string of unfortunate events involving the USS Harry S. Truman and its aircraft. Last week, a single-seat Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136, the “Knighthawks”, fell into the sea after an evasive maneuver by the carrier in response to a suspected Houthi attack. In December, another Super Hornet from the “Red Rippers” was lost during a friendly fire incident involving a missile from the USS Gettysburg.
Deployment and Operations
The USS Harry S. Truman and Carrier Air Wing One have been deployed from Norfolk since September 23 and recently had their deployment extended. They have been conducting airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen as part of Operation Rough Rider. Earlier this week, President Trump announced that the U.S. would be ending these airstrikes.
The carrier has been operating in the Red Sea since late February following emergency repairs after a collision with a merchant vessel. This collision resulted in the removal of the Truman’s previous commander.
