Fatal Accident (1) – Lockheed Aurora, 00-000017, Groom Lake, Nevada, January 29, 2025
| Aviation Safety X Report |
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On the morning of February 7, 2025, a U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler assigned to VAQ-135 “Black Ravens” crashed into San Diego Bay shortly after takeoff from Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI). The aircraft, identified as Boeing EA-18G Growler 166855, was part of ongoing military exercises known as Bamboo Eagle, a large-scale annual training event on the West Coast. The two crew members successfully ejected before impact and were later rescued from the bay by a nearby fishing boat. Eyewitnesses reported that the Growler took off from Runway 29 and appeared to struggle in poor visibility and adverse weather conditions. Shortly after departure, the aircraft reportedly lost altitude and entered a steep descent with the landing gear extended. Surveillance footage from a marina near Shelter Island Drive captured the moment the aircraft nosedived into the water. A loud pop was heard as the ejection seats activated, followed by the aircraft impacting the bay. Following the ejection, both pilots were retrieved from the water by a fishing boat that was in the immediate vicinity. Emergency response teams, including the U.S. Coast Guard, Harbor Police, and Navy personnel, were quickly dispatched to the crash site. The two aircrew members were transported to UC San Diego Medical Center in stable condition for evaluation. Reports indicated that neither pilot sustained life-threatening injuries. The crash site, located near Kellogg Beach, was secured, and containment booms were deployed to prevent the spread of jet fuel and debris. The exact cause of the accident remains under investigation by the U.S. Navy and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). While the circumstances leading to the crash have yet to be determined, contributing factors may include the adverse weather conditions, mechanical failure, or pilot disorientation. The Growler, an electronic warfare variant of the F/A-18 Super Hornet, is typically crewed by a pilot and an electronic warfare officer, both of whom ejected successfully. As part of the investigation, air traffic control (ATC) recordings, flight data, and maintenance logs will be reviewed to identify any system malfunctions or human factors that could have played a role in the incident. Navy officials have not disclosed whether the aircraft was experiencing in-flight issues prior to takeoff or if any distress calls were made before the crash. The Navy confirmed that both ejection seats functioned properly, allowing the crew to escape before the aircraft impacted the water. The crash occurred in close proximity to Navy training areas for marine mammals, raising environmental concerns about fuel leakage and debris affecting dolphin and sea lion enclosures. The San Diego Port Authority and environmental response teams initiated containment efforts, utilizing oil-absorbent barriers to minimize pollution risks. Navy divers and salvage crews were deployed to locate and recover the wreckage, which is expected to take time due to the shifting tides and debris dispersion. Naval Air Station North Island, home to multiple carrier-based squadrons, has experienced aviation mishaps in the past, including an F/A-18 Hornet crash in 2008 that impacted a residential area. However, in this case, the aircraft’s trajectory prevented collateral damage, and no civilian injuries were reported. Local authorities temporarily restricted access to Shelter Island Drive as emergency teams worked to secure the site. While military aviation operations inherently carry risks, the successful ejection of both crew members and the absence of civilian casualties highlight the effectiveness of the Navy’s emergency response protocols. The EA-18G Growler fleet will likely undergo a safety review to determine if any operational changes are necessary following this incident. The Navy has stated that further details will be released once a preliminary investigation report is completed. The wreckage recovery process and environmental assessments are ongoing, with officials ensuring that public safety and environmental protection remain top priorities as they continue to investigate the cause of the crash. |
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Accident Location: San Diego-North Island NAS, CA (NZY/KNZY) 32°42’17.74″N, 117°13’46.92″W |
FAA Registration 🇺🇸
n/a
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Year of Manufacture
2007
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Serial Number
G-1
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