USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier in the Red Sea. The latest mishap involving an expensive Super Hornet is under investigation. Getty Images
In a concerning repeat incident, another US Navy fighter jet has plunged into the Red Sea. This marks the second loss in just over a week from the same aircraft carrier, the USS Harry S. Truman.
Jet Crashes into the Red Sea During Landing Attempt
On Tuesday, an F/A-18F Super Hornet was attempting to land on the carrier's flight deck. A failed manoeuvre during the landing caused the jet to slip off the edge and fall into the sea. The two pilots on board ejected safely and were quickly rescued by a helicopter from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 11. Both sustained only minor injuries.
The F/A-18F Super Hornet, a twin-engine combat jet, is estimated to cost around $67 million. Despite the safe ejection, the aircraft remains unrecovered, and the incident is under investigation.
Just Days After a Similar Mishap
This mishap comes barely a week after another Super Hornet was lost in the same sea. Last Monday, a separate jet was being moved inside the carrier’s hangar when the crew lost control of it. The jet was under tow when it unexpectedly rolled overboard, dragging along the towing tractor. One sailor was reported to have minor injuries in that accident.
Arresting Gear Failure Suspected
In the latest incident, US Navy officials pointed to a possible failure in the aircraft’s arresting gear system. This cable-based mechanism is essential for slowing down jets during landing on a carrier. A malfunction here could have prevented the jet from coming to a stop, pushing it overboard.
Possible Link to Evasive Maneuvers
Some officials believe that the jet’s fall may also have been triggered by sudden movement of the aircraft carrier. According to reports, the Harry S. Truman made a sharp turn to dodge potential threats from Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The quick manoeuvre may have destabilized the landing process.
Rising Tensions in the Red Sea Region
These incidents come amid heightened tensions in the Red Sea, particularly involving Houthi militants in Yemen. On the same day as the crash, former US President Donald Trump declared that the US would halt strikes on the Iran-backed group if they stopped attacking international shipping routes in the region.
The Red Sea has become a volatile zone, and the USS Truman has seen more than its share of action. In a separate incident last December, the USS Gettysburg, operating nearby, mistakenly shot down another F/A-18 fighter jet from the Truman. Fortunately, both crew members survived that misfire as well.
Investigations Ongoing
The Navy has launched investigations into both recent jet losses. Safety protocols and procedures are under review to prevent further accidents. The back-to-back incidents have raised concerns about operational safety during high-alert missions in conflict-prone areas.
While the crews involved have survived with minimal injuries, the loss of two advanced fighter jets in such a short span has prompted scrutiny and urgency among military officials.
