Navy Growler Crashes into San Diego Bay; Crew Safe

On Wednesday, a Navy EA-18G Growler crashed during an attempted landing at Naval Air Station North Island. The aircraft’s two-person crew is in good condition, according to Navy officials.

“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.”

Later, the Navy confirmed in a statement that the aviators were in good condition.

“As of late Wednesday, ‘the aircraft remains submerged, and response teams are actively assessing the scene,'” stated 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.”

Radio traffic at the moment of the crash revealed that the two-seat electronic attack aircraft was approaching NAS North Island. After flying over the runway, the crew ejected, and the plane fell into the water. Initially, a sport fishing charter picked up the aircrew before they were transferred to a Customs and Border Patrol vessel, according to radio traffic. ABC 10 reported that the aviators were taken to UC San Diego Health.

Emergency crews then responded to the debris and fuel from the crash, as recorded by the radio.

The plane had come from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and was in San Diego for an exercise. The Growler wasn’t part of the air wing currently training with the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group.

The following is the full statement from Naval Air Forces:

“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.”