Plane Crash in San Diego: Two Pilots Rescued After Submersion
Incident Overview
At approximately 10:16 a.m. PST on Wednesday, July 13, 2023, a United States Navy Boeing EA-18G Growler aircraft crashed into the water near Shelter Island in San Diego Bay, California. The incident was reported by the San Diego Fire Department (SDFD), which responded to the scene along with the United States Coast Guard and other emergency personnel.
Pilot Rescue
According to SDFD, only two pilots were aboard the plane at the time of the crash. Both pilots were successfully rescued and taken to a nearby medical center for treatment. The United States Coast Guard confirmed that the pilots were trapped underwater for approximately one minute before being rescued.
Pilot Conditions
The current medical condition of the two pilots is unknown. The San Diego Fire Department did not provide any information regarding their injuries or prognosis.
Aircraft Details
The aircraft involved in the crash was a Boeing EA-18G Growler, a variant of the F/A-18 Super Hornet designed for electronic warfare. The EA-18G is operated exclusively by the United States Navy and is used for a variety of missions, including suppression of enemy air defenses and electronic surveillance.
Investigation
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation by the United States Navy. The investigation will examine all aspects of the incident, including the condition of the aircraft, the actions of the pilots, and the environmental conditions at the time of the crash.
Statements from United States Navy and Coast Guard
USA TODAY reached out to the United States Navy and United States Coast Guard for comment on the incident but did not receive an immediate response.
Additional Information
- The crash occurred approximately one mile west of Shelter Island in San Diego Bay.
- The water depth at the crash site was approximately 10 feet.
- The aircraft did not sink, but remained partially submerged.
- There were no reported civilian casualties or damage to property on land.
Impact on Operations
The crash has temporarily disrupted operations in San Diego Bay. The United States Coast Guard has established a safety zone in the area of the crash to facilitate the ongoing investigation and recovery efforts.
Conclusion
The crash of the Boeing EA-18G Growler in San Diego Bay is a serious incident that is currently under investigation. The swift response of the San Diego Fire Department and United States Coast Guard resulted in the successful rescue of the two pilots. The cause of the crash remains unknown, and the investigation is ongoing.
