A fighter jet plummeted from the sky and crashed into San Diego Harbor on Wednesday, with dramatic video capturing the shocking moment the aircraft went into a freefall before disappearing behind buildings. The two pilots aboard the EA-18G Growler ejected just in time and were rescued by a fishing vessel, authorities confirmed.
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The Crash and Rescue
The two-seat Navy jet was nearing its landing at North Island in San Diego when it went down around 10:15 a.m. local time. Video of the incident shows the jet descending rapidly before crashing into the water. According to San Diego Fire-Rescue, both pilots ejected safely before impact and were rescued by a nearby fishing vessel within minutes.
The Coast Guard confirmed the pilots were in stable condition, calling it a miracle given the severity of the crash. Petty Officer Christopher Sappey told TMZ that the Navy jet is now submerged in the harbor, and the Coast Guard is enforcing a safety zone around the crash site.
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A String of Aviation Incidents
This crash comes amid heightened concerns about aviation safety following a series of recent incidents. Just two weeks ago, a Black Hawk helicopter collided with an American Airlines flight, resulting in 67 fatalities. While the cause of that crash remains under investigation, some, including President Donald Trump, have controversially suggested diversity hiring practices may have played a role.
Other recent incidents include a plane crash in Philadelphia, a mid-air collision in Seattle, and a brutal crash in Arizona involving Mötley Crüe singer Vince Neil’s girlfriend, who survived the ordeal.
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Investigation Underway
The Navy has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the San Diego crash. The EA-18G Growler, a variant of the F/A-18 Super Hornet, is primarily used for electronic warfare and is a critical asset for the U.S. military.
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US Navy jet CRASHES in San Diego Bay
Coastguard plane circles over area, with 2 crew pulled out of water and taken to hospital
They’d been flying a Boeing Growler electronic warfare jet pic.twitter.com/LLPQYcIgT6
— News Now (@NewsNowUS) February 12, 2025
Community Reaction
The crash has left the San Diego community in shock, with many expressing relief that the pilots survived. “It’s a miracle they made it out alive,” said one local resident. “It’s a reminder of how dangerous these machines can be, even in the hands of highly trained professionals.”
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As the investigation continues, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with military and civilian aviation. For now, the focus remains on the pilots’ recovery and ensuring such accidents are prevented in the future.
