A U.S. military fighter jet crashed into San Diego Harbor on Wednesday morning, but both pilots reportedly ejected to safety. The EA-18G Growler, an electronic warfare jet, crashed into the water near Shelter Island around 10:15 a.m.
The location of the crash was just across the bay from Naval Air Station North Island, the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department confirmed.
The aircraft was assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 135, based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
Fire officials stated that both pilots were rescued shortly after the crash and taken to the hospital.
No fatalities were reported. The crash was initially reported at 10:16 a.m. local time, and by 10:42 a.m., the military confirmed that only two pilots were aboard the jet.
The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department did not disclose the pilots’ medical conditions.
According to a U.S. Coast Guard spokesperson, both pilots ejected safely and were rescued by a nearby fishing vessel, having been in the water for only a minute.
The pilots were then transferred to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations boat that was already on the scene when the crash occurred.
This incident follows a similar crash in October, when another Navy EA-18G Growler crashed near Mt. Rainier in Washington, killing both pilots.
The EA-18G Growler, which has been in service with the Navy for 15 years, is used for airborne electronic attack operations worldwide.
The Navy describes the jet as “the most advanced technology in airborne electronic attack” and emphasizes that it is the first line of defense in hostile environments.
Wednesday’s crash adds to a series of recent military accidents, including a tragic event in January when a U.S. Army helicopter collided with an American Airlines jet over Washington, D.C., resulting in 67 fatalities.
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