On February 12, 2025, a U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler fighter jet crashed into San Diego Bay during a landing attempt at Naval Air Station North Island. Both pilots safely ejected before the aircraft plunged nose-first into the water. They were promptly rescued by the crew of the sportfishing vessel Premier, led by Captain Brandon Viets, who witnessed the ejection and immediately rendered assistance. The pilots were then transferred to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection boat and taken to UC San Diego Medical Center, where they are reported to be in stable condition.
The incident occurred around 10:15 a.m. during a “go-around” maneuver, where the jet had landed and was taking off again. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation. The EA-18G Growler, valued at approximately $67 million, is an electronic warfare aircraft derived from the F/A-18F Super Hornet. This event follows a previous Growler crash in October 2024 in Washington state, which resulted in the deaths of two pilots.
The Navy is working to recover the submerged aircraft and has deployed containment booms to minimize environmental impacts, including potential fuel spills. The public is advised to avoid approaching or collecting any debris that may wash ashore and to report such findings to local authorities or Naval Base Coronado.
