A U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler jet has crashed near Mount Rainier in Washington state, leaving two crew members missing and prompting an extensive search operation in challenging terrain.
At a Glance
- Navy EA-18G Growler jet crashed east of Mount Rainier during a routine training mission
- Two crew members are missing, and their status remains unknown
- Wreckage has been located, but search efforts are hampered by remote, snow-covered terrain
- Multiple search and rescue assets, including Navy and civilian aircraft, are involved in the operation
Navy Jet Crash Details
The U.S. Navy has confirmed that an EA-18G Growler jet crashed east of Mount Rainier at approximately 3:23 p.m. local time during a routine training mission. The aircraft, part of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130, known as the “Zappers,” was based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. The crash site has been located in a remote area not accessible by motorized vehicles, complicating search and rescue efforts.
The status of the two crew members onboard remains unknown, and it is unclear whether they managed to eject before the crash. The Navy has deployed multiple search and rescue assets, including a MH-60S helicopter launched from NAS Whidbey Island, to locate the missing crew and examine the crash site.
Navy crew missing after E/A-18G Growler crashes near Mount Rainier https://t.co/a1OVvdFoFx
— Task & Purpose (@TaskandPurpose) October 16, 2024
Search and Rescue Efforts
The search operation involves a collaborative effort between Navy, Army, and civilian aircraft. Specialized Navy aircraft, including EP-3E Aries II and P-8A Poseidon, typically used for signal intelligence and anti-submarine missions, have been deployed to assist in the search. The mountainous, snow-covered terrain in the Cascades is presenting significant challenges for the search teams, with snow expected to continue through the weekend.
“Aerial operations continued through the night, launching from NAS Whidbey Island and searching in the area 30 miles west of Yakima,” a Navy spokesperson said in a release Wednesday. “As of 11 a.m. on Oct. 16, neither the crew nor wreckage has been located.”
Aviation expert John Nance has suggested that the crash might be a “Controlled Flight into Terrain” (CFIT) incident, noting the absence of emergency locator signals and communication from the pilots as concerning factors. The search area is focused on a region 30 miles west of Yakima, with operations continuing from NAS Whidbey Island.
The EA-18G Growler
The EA-18G Growler is a specialized electronic warfare aircraft based on the F/A-18F Super Hornet platform. It plays a crucial role in the Navy’s electronic attack capabilities, featuring advanced technology for jamming enemy radars and communications systems. The aircraft, which costs approximately $67 million, seats a pilot and an electronics operator.
“The EA-18G Growler aircraft we fly represents the most advanced technology in airborne Electronic Attack and stands as the Navy’s first line of defense in hostile environments,” the Navy said on its website.
Most Growler squadrons are based at Whidbey Island, with one squadron stationed in Iwakuni, Japan. The Growler was first delivered to Whidbey Island in 2008 and has supported major actions globally. This incident highlights the inherent risks associated with military aviation training exercises, which can sometimes result in crashes, injuries, and fatalities.
As the search continues, the Navy and local authorities are working tirelessly to locate the missing crew members. The cause of the crash is under investigation, and updates will be provided as new information emerges. Our thoughts are with the families of the missing crew members and all those involved in this challenging search and rescue operation.
