Video Shows Navy Fighter Jet Crashing Nose-First into San Diego Harbor After Pilots Had to Eject

Mar. 15, 2025

Two pilots have been rescued after a U.S. Navy fighter jet crashed into the San Diego Harbor at around 10:15 a.m on Wednesday, Feb. 12.

PerCBS 8 San Diego, a video showcased the fighter jetdivingnose first into the water.

The two-seat EA-18 Growler fell at high speed before slamming into the ocean.

CBS 8 San Diego reports that the crash took place while the jet was attempting to land. A Navy official toldABC Newsthat the plane was in a go-around maneuver, meaning it had just landed and was preparing to take off again.

According to ABC News, two pilots ejected from the jet before being rescued.

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PEOPLE has contacted the San Diego Fire Department, the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Navy for comment.

A San Diego Harbor patrol boat.AP Photo/Denis Poroy

AP Photo/Denis Poroy

NBC 7 San Diegoreports that the pair were helped from the water onto a charter fishing boat with H&M Landing.

General Manager Frank Ursitti told the outlet that the captain saw the pilots eject from the military plane and immediately turned around to help.

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“As all of our crews are trained in lifesaving efforts, immediately came about, turned around picked up both pilots that were in the water,” Ursitti said. “And as they were boarding the pilots on the water, [the captain] observed the plane actually ditch into San Diego Bay.”

NBC 7 San Diego reports the pilots were transferred to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection boat before being taken to the UC San Diego Medical Center.

According to NBC 7 San Diego, the U.S. Navy confirmed the jet was a U.S. Navy EA-18 Growler, which is a variant of the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.

source: people.com