Navy Pilots Survive F/A-18 Crashes Amid Rising Safety Concerns
A Navy pilot was rescued from the waters off Virginia on Wednesday after an F/A-18 Super Hornet crashed during a routine training exercise. The incident, which occurred around 10 a.m. ET, saw the pilot safely recovered by search and rescue teams and taken to a local hospital. The jet remained in the water as investigations into the cause of the crash unfolded.
The crash is part of a growing trend of mishaps involving the F/A-18 Super Hornet. Earlier this year, a Super Hornet slid into the Red Sea during a failed landing attempt on the USS Harry S. Truman, with both pilots safely ejecting. A week prior, another jet rolled off the Truman’s deck during a towing operation. These incidents have sparked discussions about the safety record of the F/A-18 fleet and its procurement decisions.
The Navy has acknowledged the need to review these incidents, with officials considering whether a safety stand-down is necessary to address potential safety concerns. A former senior defense official noted the recent accidents deserve scrutiny, especially given the challenges the Navy faces. The official added that while the F-35 and V-22 aircraft receive significant media attention for mishaps, the Super Hornets’ accident rates remain relatively stable compared to other Navy aircraft.
While the F/A-18 fleet has a history of accidents, including 42 Class A mishaps since 2015, the service has purchased additional aircraft to mitigate risks. Analysts suggest that the recent crashes were not entirely unexpected, influencing procurement decisions for more Super Hornets. The Navy’s decision to acquire 17 additional Super Hornets in 2024 was partly based on the expectation of such incidents.
Despite the frequency of accidents, the F/A-18’s accident rate remains comparable to other manned Navy aircraft. However, the recent incidents have raised questions about the fleet’s long-term safety and maintenance strategies within the U.S. Navy. The Service has not yet issued a formal statement on the specific cause of the latest crash, but officials are expected to release details once the investigation concludes.
These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges faced by the U.S. Navy in maintaining operational readiness while managing a large and aging fleet of aircraft. The need for increased safety measures and maintenance protocols has become a focal point for policymakers and military leaders as they navigate the complexities of modern warfare and aviation technology.