A second fighter jet, an F/A-18F Super Hornet, fell off the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier into the Red Sea on Tuesday night. The incident occurred around 9:45 p.m. local time while the aircraft was attempting to land, resulting in a “failed arrestment” when its tail hook failed to catch the landing wire. The two aviators aboard successfully ejected prior to the aircraft’s plunge, sustaining only minor injuries. This incident marks the second loss of an aircraft from the carrier in just over a week; the first occurred on April 28 when an F/A-18E Super Hornet being towed also fell overboard after the tow crew lost control.
The recent accident is currently under investigation by Navy officials. Early reports suggest that the aircraft accelerated toward the bow of the ship due to the mishap with the landing system, ultimately resulting in it entering the water. The April 28 incident, as noted by the Navy’s Chief of Information, is also under scrutiny, with a statement detailing the circumstances surrounding the loss of the jet during the towing operation in the hangar bay. Together, these incidents bring concerns regarding operational safety aboard the USS Harry S. Truman, especially given the recent pattern of aircraft losses. The Navy continues to assess the events leading to both mishaps to prevent future occurrences.
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