On the morning of February 12, 2025, a U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler fighter jet crashed into San Diego Bay during a routine training exercise. The incident occurred around 10:15 a.m. near Naval Air Station North Island, situated on the bay’s northern edge.
The aircraft was executing a “go-around maneuver”—a standard procedure where a landing is aborted and the aircraft ascends for another approach—when both pilots detected a critical issue and ejected from the jet. They parachuted into the bay and were promptly rescued by the crew of the sportfishing vessel Premier, captained by Brandon Viets. Viets recounted hearing the jet take off and then witnessing the crew members descending into the water. He maneuvered his boat to retrieve them, ensuring their safety until they were transferred to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection boat. Both aviators were conscious, in stable condition, and subsequently transported to UC San Diego Medical Center for evaluation.
Eyewitnesses described the harrowing scene as the jet descended rapidly, crashing nose-first into the bay and generating a massive plume of water and debris. The impact resulted in a significant fuel spill, prompting environmental concerns. Authorities, including the U.S. Coast Guard and harbor officials, swiftly cordoned off the area to manage potential hazards and initiated efforts to contain the spill.
The EA-18G Growler, an electronic warfare variant of the F/A-18F Super Hornet, has been integral to the Navy’s airborne electronic attack capabilities for 15 years. This incident follows a previous Growler crash in Washington state last October, which resulted in the deaths of both pilots. The cause of the San Diego crash remains under investigation by Naval Base Coronado officials. Factors such as mechanical failure, pilot error, and weather conditions—including the reported rain and mist at the time—will be examined to determine the cause.
The Navy has initiated plans to recover the estimated $86 million aircraft from the bay. The area remains secured as the investigation continues, with efforts to mitigate environmental impacts and assess the circumstances leading to the crash.
