This post has been updated with additional information from Naval Air Forces.
The crew of an EA-18G Growler is in good condition after their aircraft crashed on Wednesday during an attempted landing at Naval Air Station North Island, Navy officials told USNI News.
“At approximately 10:15 PDT, a U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 135 crashed while landing,” read a statement from Naval Air Forces.
“Two aircrew ejected into San Diego Bay and were quickly recovered before being transported to a local hospital for medical assessment.”
In a subsequent statement, the Navy said the aviators were in good condition.
As of late Wednesday, “the aircraft remains submerged, and response teams are actively assessing the scene,” reads a statement from the Navy. “Harbor Security boats are on site securing the area, and a containment boom was placed around the crash site to minimize the spread of fuel and debris. Environmental and safety teams are working to mitigate any potential impacts. There are no reports of civilian injuries or damage at this time.”
According to radio traffic at the time of the crash, the two-seat electronic attack aircraft was approaching NAS North Island. After flying over the runway, the crew of the aircraft ejected, and the plane crashed into the water. The two aviators were initially picked up by a sport fishing charter before they were transferred to a Customs and Border patrol vessel, according to radio traffic. According to ABC 10, the aviators were taken to UC San Diego Health.
Following the recovery of the crew, emergency crews responded to the debris and fuel from the crash, according to radio traffic.
The aircraft had traveled from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and was in San Diego for an exercise. The Growler was not assigned to the air wing that is currently training with the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group.
The following is the complete statement from Naval Air Forces.
NAVAL AIR STATION NORTH ISLAND, San Diego – The crash site of the U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler that went down earlier today has been identified in San Diego Bay. The aircraft remains submerged, and response teams are actively assessing the scene.
The two aircrew members remain in good condition and are under 24-hour medical observation out of an abundance of caution.
Harbor Security boats are on site securing the area, and a containment boom was placed around the crash site to minimize the spread of fuel and debris. Environmental and safety teams are working to mitigate any potential impacts. There are no reports of civilian injuries or damage at this time.
The public is reminded to not approach, touch, or collect any debris that may wash ashore. Anyone who encounters suspected aircraft debris should report it to local authorities or call Naval Base Coronado.
Naval Base Coronado’s Emergency Operations Center remains active, and the investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing. More updates will be provided as available.
