A second fighter jet, an F/A-18F Super Hornet, was lost after falling into the Red Sea while attempting to land on the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier around 9:45 p.m. local time. Two U.S. officials reported that both aviators aboard ejected safely with only minor injuries following the incident, which was classified as a “failed arrestment.” This occurs when an aircraft fails to physically catch the arrestor wire used to slow its landing speed.
This incident marks the second loss of a fighter jet from the USS Harry S. Truman in just over a week. Previously, on April 28, another Super Hornet, valued at $67 million, fell off the carrier’s deck while being towed. The Navy indicated that during the tow, the move crew lost control of the aircraft, leading to its fall. Both incidents are currently under investigation to determine the causes.
In the latest case, officials noted that the initial reports suggest that the tail hook of the F/A-18F failed to engage the wire, resulting in the jet continuing to accelerate toward the ship’s bow before plunging into the water. The Navy’s Chief Information Office in Bahrain confirmed both mishaps and indicated that investigations are ongoing for a thorough assessment of the circumstances surrounding these incidents. The risks associated with carrier operations are highlighted by these events, underscoring the challenges faced during landing procedures.
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