US electronic warfare jet plummets into water (VIDEOS)

Both crew members ejected safely and were rescued by a nearby fishing vessel

A US Navy EA-18G Growler electronic warfare jet crashed into San Diego Bay near Shelter Island on Wednesday morning.

The incident occurred around 10:15am local time during a “go-around maneuver,” in which the pilots had just landed the aircraft and were preparing to take off again, according to Navy spokesperson Cmdr. Beth Teach.

In one of the videos circulating online, the jet, with its landing gear still down, can be seen nosediving into the water. According to witnesses, it remained airborne for several minutes before descending rapidly into the bay, creating a plume of water and debris more than 20 meters high.

Insane Footage from another CCTV Camera facing San Diego Bay, showing a U.S. Navy EA-18G “Growler” Electronic-Warfare Aircraft slamming into the Water earlier today near Naval Air Station North Island, following the ejection of both Aviators. pic.twitter.com/HKIjBZLio2

— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) February 13, 2025

The rescued crew members were conscious and transported to a local hospital in stable condition. The Navy has not yet released their identities.

U.S Navy EA-18 Growler, a carrier-based Electronic Warfare fighter has crashed in San Diego Bay, California during an alleged training exercise.

Update: It's reported that both pilots survived.

- MediterraneanMan pic.twitter.com/PZS1CFj5Wg

— Ephemeral (@yawahuguama) February 12, 2025

The cause of the crash is currently under investigation. The US Coast Guard has secured the wreckage site in San Diego Harbor.

The EA-18G Growler, developed by Boeing, is an advanced airborne electronic attack aircraft that provides tactical jamming and electronic protection to US military forces. This incident follows a previous crash involving an EA-18G Growler near Mount Rainier in Washington state last October, which resulted in the deaths of both crew members.