US Navy EA-18G Growler Crashes off Coast of San Diego: Pilots Rescued

On the morning of February 12, 2025, a U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler jet met a catastrophic end as it plunged into San Diego Bay. Miraculously, both pilots ejected safely and were promptly rescued by a nearby fishing vessel.

The Incident Unfolds

It was  Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at around 10:15 AM local time, when the U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler jet crashed into San Diego Bay near Shelter Island. The aircraft was based out of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Washington and was attempting to land when the mishap occurred.

Fortunately, both crew members successfully ejected before the jet hit the water. A nearby fishing vessel, the Premiere, quickly responded to the scene and rescued the two Naval aviators from the water. According to the fishing crew, the pilots ejected shortly before their aircraft impacted the water, giving them just enough time to parachute to safety.

The ejection occurred during what is known as a “go around” maneuver, which means the plane had just landed and was preparing to take off again. According to multiple eyewitness reports, something went amiss during this maneuver leading to the ejection and subsequent crash of the aircraft.

Once rescued, the pilots were transferred to a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) boat before being taken to UC San Diego Health in Hillcrest for medical evaluation. Fortunately, the pair were reported to be in stable condition.

Following the crash, the U.S. Coast Guard deployed two vessels to secure the wreckage within San Diego Harbor. Initially, the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department responded to the emergency, but they were later called off as federal agencies, including the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and Harbor Police, took over the operation.

The Navy has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. At the time of the incident, the area was experiencing foggy conditions, as seen in video footage from the crash site. Further analysis will likely focus on weather conditions, mechanical issues, or possible pilot error as contributing factors.

Heroes on the Water

The heroes behind the rescue of the Navy pilots were the crew of Premier, a fishing boat owned by H&M Landing. The boat’s captain, Brandon Viets, was leading a private charter for a group of 12 people on a team-building trip when he saw the jet go down. Moments later, he spotted parachutes in the air and quickly turned the boat around to assist.

The Premier crew responded swiftly and professionally. They deployed the boarding ladder and prepared for rescue operations, ensuring a smooth and safe recovery. Within minutes, they pulled both pilots from the water, keeping them safe until additional help arrived. The crew immediately contacted the Coast Guard, reporting, “We have both pilots on board and safe.”

Frank Ursitti, the general manager of H&M Landing, praised the crew’s quick thinking and professionalism. “Captain Brandon Viets and the crew of the Premier acted swiftly, and thanks to their professionalism, they were able to bring these pilots to safety,” he said.

The Premier’s rapid response was crucial. They reached the downed pilots before official rescue teams arrived, ensuring the aviators spent only a short time in the water. This likely prevented more serious health risks and allowed for a smooth handoff to emergency responders.

Aftermath and Investigation

The aftermath of the EA-18G Growler crash in San Diego Bay on February 12, 2025, is still unfolding as officials work to determine the cause of the incident.

Efforts to manage the crash site are ongoing. The U.S. Coast Guard has deployed two vessels to secure the wreckage in San Diego Harbor, while Naval Base Coronado has set up an Emergency Operations Center to coordinate the response.

There are also concerns about possible environmental damage. Video footage posted to social media showed Navy vessels deploying a containment device to prevent potential oil spills, though officials have not yet made an official statement regarding environmental impacts.

The U.S. Navy has launched a full investigation into what caused the crash. Dr. Rex Rivolo, a former Pentagon analyst who has studied the F/A-18 family of aircraft, expressed disbelief over the incident, stating, “For a modern aircraft with two engines, not in combat, not on the range, just flying around to crash, is just absurd.”

Investigators are expected to examine several possible factors, including the foggy weather conditions at the time of the crash, potential mechanical failures, and any human error that may have played a role. As of now, no official conclusions have been reached, and the investigation is expected to take time before final findings are released.

The EA-18G Growler: A Brief Overview

The EA-18G Growler is a specialized electronic warfare aircraft derived from the F/A-18F Super Hornet. It plays a crucial role in disrupting enemy radar and communication systems, helping U.S. forces gain an advantage in combat. Along with electronic intelligence and surveillance capabilities, the Growler ensures that joint operations can proceed without interference from enemy defenses.

Technical Specs and Capabilities

The Growler is a powerful aircraft with impressive specifications. It measures 60.2 feet long, stands 16 feet tall, and has a wingspan of 44.9 feet. Weighing just over 33,000 pounds when empty, it can reach speeds of around Mach 1.6 (about 1,960 km/h) and fly up to 50,000 feet in the air. With a range of 847 nautical miles, the aircraft is designed for extended missions. Each unit costs approximately $67 million.

What sets the Growler apart is its advanced electronic warfare systems. It comes equipped with the APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, which enhances its targeting and detection capabilities. The ALQ-227 Communications Countermeasures Set helps disrupt enemy signals, while the Interference Cancellation System ensures clear radio communication even in jammed environments. Additionally, the Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System gives pilots enhanced situational awareness, making them more effective in high-stakes missions.

Safety Record and Recent Incidents

While the EA-18G Growler is a highly capable and reliable aircraft, it has been involved in a few notable accidents. In January 2018, an Australian Growler caught fire after an aborted takeoff at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. The crew survived, but the aircraft was completely destroyed.

In October 2024, tragedy struck when an EA-18G Growler crashed near Mount Rainier, killing both aviators. Investigators believe the incident may have been a case of controlled flight into terrain (CFIT), where the aircraft inadvertently flew into the ground or a mountainside.

Despite these incidents and the one that occurred yesterday, the Growler remains a critical asset in modern warfare. The U.S. Navy continues to prioritize safety improvements and thorough investigations to ensure that pilots and crews operate these aircraft as safely as possible.

Historical Context: San Diego’s Aviation Incidents

San Diego has seen its share of aviation accidents over the years, with the recent EA-18G Growler crash on February 12, 2025, being the latest in a long list of incidents. While military jet crashes are relatively rare, the city’s history includes both commercial and general aviation accidents that have left a lasting impact.

The Deadliest Crash: PSA Flight 182

The worst aviation disaster in San Diego’s history occurred on September 25, 1978, when Pacific Southwest Airlines (PSA) Flight 182 collided mid-air with a private Cessna 172 over the North Park neighborhood. The crash resulted in 135 fatalities aboard the Boeing 727, two deaths in the Cessna, and seven people killed on the ground. The impact destroyed or damaged 22 homes. To this day, it remains the deadliest air disaster in California history and was the worst in the U.S. until American Airlines Flight 191 crashed in May 1979.

Recent Aviation Accidents in San Diego

More recently, San Diego has continued to experience aviation accidents, particularly involving smaller aircraft. Between 2017 and 2021, nearly 50 crashes were reported in San Diego County. In 2021 alone, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recorded seven plane crashes in the region.

One particularly tragic incident happened in October 2021 when a small plane crashed into a Santee neighborhood, killing two people. Such crashes, while not as catastrophic as the PSA Flight 182 disaster, highlight the risks associated with general aviation in the area.

Gillespie Field: A Hotspot for Small Plane Crashes

Gillespie Field, a local airfield, has been linked to multiple accidents. Between 2017 and 2021, at least 14 aircraft that either departed from or were heading to Gillespie Field crashed. The year 2018 was especially deadly, with three fatal crashes tied to the airfield. While the airport itself does not present unusual flying hazards, its location in a densely populated area makes accidents more concerning. Many crashes involving small aircraft are attributed to pilot error or mechanical failures.

The EA-18G Growler Crash in Context

Although San Diego has a history of aviation accidents, the recent EA-18G Growler crash is different from the general aviation incidents that occur more frequently. Military jet crashes are rare compared to those involving private or commercial aircraft. However, this latest incident serves as another reminder of the risks involved in aviation, particularly in an area with so much air traffic. Investigations into the Growler crash will likely add to the ongoing conversation about aviation safety in and around San Diego.

Looking Ahead

While the recent crash resulted in no fatalities, it serves as a wake-up call of the perils associated with military aviation. The forthcoming investigation will aim to uncover the factors leading to this incident, with the goal of preventing future occurrences and ensuring the continued safety of both military personnel and civilians.