Navy fighter jet crashes into San Diego Bay, pilots rescued

On a Wednesday morning in February 2025, a U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler fighter jet crashed into San Diego Bay, California. The incident occurred around 10:15 a.m. local time when the two pilots on board performed a go-around maneuver after briefly landing. They ejected safely before the aircraft hit the water. Quick action from the crew of a nearby fishing vessel, the Premier, facilitated a prompt rescue of the pilots, who were reported to have spent only about a minute in the cold water before being pulled out. After their rescue, they were transferred to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection vessel for medical evaluation. Both pilots were taken to a local hospital and were in stable condition, monitored under 24-hour observation as a precautionary measure. The Jet, which specializes in electronic warfare, was participating in the Bamboo Eagle integrated training exercise and was operating from Naval Air Station North Island. The crash site created a significant debris field, prompting a swift response from the Coast Guard, which deployed vessels to contain any potential hazards, including fuel or debris. Consequently, environmental and safety measures were enacted to minimize any adverse effects on the surrounding waters. Officials also cautioned the public against touching or collecting any debris that could wash ashore. Eyewitnesses to this incident described hearing a loud roar from the aircraft before witnessing it nosediving into the water, which led to a terrifying moment for onlookers. The crash is currently under investigation, with the Navy working diligently to ascertain the cause of the incident. The pilots were the only individuals aboard the aircraft at the time of the crash, and thankfully, no civilian injuries or property damage were reported. Recovery efforts related to the aircraft's wreckage are ongoing, with the Navy urging any debris found in the area to be reported to local authorities. This incident highlights the unpredictability of military training exercises and the importance of prompt rescue operations in mitigating potential tragedies. As investigations progress, the local and military communities remain focused on ensuring the safety of such exercises and analyzing the factors that led to this crash. Lessons learned from this incident will likely contribute to improved protocols to enhance the safety of pilots and local populations during military operations in the future.