A US Navy pilot experienced a mishap on Tuesday while attempting to land a fighter jet on an aircraft carrier, resulting in the aircraft being lost in the Red Sea.
The F/A-18F Super Hornet, part of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11, landed on the USS Harry S. Truman’s flight deck but the landing gear failed to engage properly, causing the aircraft to go overboard, according to officials.
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Both pilots successfully ejected and were rescued. Unfortunately, the warplane has not been retrieved from the sea.
“The aviators were assessed by medical staff and were found to have minor injuries. Overall, they were unharmed,” an official reported.
This incident comes just over a week after another F/A-18F Super Hornet was lost from the USS Truman.
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The Navy confirmed a loss of a $67.4 million aircraft while crew members were towing another aircraft in Hangar Bay but lost control of the situation.
The team took “immediate action” to prevent the aircraft from falling overboard, according to Navy statements.
During this period, the USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group was active in the Red Sea, maintaining mission readiness within the Airwing.
The Strike Group includes a squadron of nine aircraft, along with three guided missile destroyers and the USS Gettysburg, a Ticonderoga-class cruiser.
The carrier has been involved in operations in the Red Sea and has executed strikes against Iranian-supported Houthi forces based in Yemen. A ceasefire initiative was announced on Tuesday by Trump regarding these groups.
