Navy pilot rescued after $67M fighter jet crashes during routine training exercise — the sixth pricey military plane lost this year
A U.S. Navy pilot was rescued Wednesday morning after a $67 million F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jet crashed into the ocean off the coast of Virginia, marking the sixth such aircraft lost by the military in less than a year.
The pilot, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 83 based in Virginia Beach, was on a routine training mission when the jet went down at approximately 9:53 a.m., according to Naval Air Force Atlantic.
The aviator successfully ejected from the aircraft before it hit the water and was recovered alive about 90 minutes later during a search and rescue operation. The pilot, whose name has not been released, was taken to a nearby hospital. Their current condition remains unknown.
As of now, the aircraft has not been recovered, and the cause of the crash is under investigation.
This latest incident adds to a growing list of serious mishaps involving Navy F/A-18s in recent months.
In April, a $56 million Super Hornet plunged into the Red Sea after rolling off the USS Harry S. Truman during an evasive maneuver aimed at avoiding incoming fire from Houthi rebels. The pilot escaped unharmed after ejecting.
Just a week later, another Super Hornet went down in the same area after suffering an “arrestment failure” while attempting to land on the Truman. Both crew members ejected and were treated for minor injuries.
In December, a separate Super Hornet was mistakenly shot down in a friendly fire incident over the Red Sea. Both aviators safely ejected from the aircraft.
Each F/A-18E Super Hornet carries an estimated price tag of around $67 million, according to officials.
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