Dramatic Plane Crash in San Diego Bay
On Wednesday morning, an intense and heart-stopping moment unfolded over San Diego Bay as a U.S. Navy aircraft made an emergency crash landing just moments after its two pilots ejected into the waters below.
The incident involved an EA-18G Growler, a high-powered jet known for its crucial role in the U.S. military, which plunged into the waters near Shelter Island.
The Crash and Rescue
The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but early reports suggest that the jet may have been flying through rough weather conditions off the West Coast before falling from the sky.
As the pilots ejected and parachuted to safety, a nearby fishing crew witnessed the dramatic crash.
Conner Palmer, a member of the crew, recalled the shocking moment to NBC San Diego: “It seemed like you were watching a Star Wars movie.
It crashed down straight into the water with a huge explosion of water and sand.
You honestly didn’t know what you just watched.”
Witness Carol Gonzales added that she immediately knew something was happening when she saw two parachutes in the water.
“The next thing you know, the aircraft came straight down into the water,” she said.
Emergency Response
The San Diego Fire and Rescue team quickly responded to the scene, deploying over 60 personnel, two boats, five fire engines, and a helicopter to assist.
The Navy also worked to contain any potential fuel spill from the downed jet.
Fortunately, both pilots had successfully ejected before the crash and were rescued by the fishing boat that was the first to reach them.
Brandon Diets, the captain of the boat, described his thoughts as he saw the pilots hit the water: “I saw one hit the water, and then the other one, and just thought, ‘We gotta go.
’” He rushed to rescue them, unsure of their condition but knowing they needed help.
A Heartwarming Moment
Once the pilots were safely pulled from the water, Palmer witnessed a touching scene as they embraced each other, checking to make sure they were both okay.
“It was a heartwarming moment,” he said. Both pilots were taken to UC San Diego Medical Center in stable condition.
The fishing crew’s quick response likely saved their lives.
A Close Call for the Bay Area
The crash occurred near the Kona Kai San Diego Resort and several businesses along the shoreline, creating a tense situation for the area.
Frank Ursitti, the general manager of the fishing boat, shared that the crew was trained for lifesaving situations.
As soon as the pilots were in sight, they swiftly turned their boat around to retrieve them from the water.
“We didn’t know if they were hurt… we just knew there were people in the water, and we had to get them out,” Ursitti explained.
The plane hit the bay just minutes after the pilots ejected, with both aviators conscious when pulled from the water.
A Deadly Year for Aviation
Sadly, this is not the first time an EA-18G Growler has been involved in a tragic accident.
Just months ago, in October 2024, a similar aircraft crashed near Mount Rainier in Washington, killing both pilots onboard.
This incident follows a string of deadly aviation accidents, including a tragic crash earlier this year when an American Airlines jet collided with a military helicopter near Reagan National Airport, killing 67 people.
In the days that followed, a small air ambulance crash in Pennsylvania killed six people, and a jet went off the radar in Alaska, resulting in the deaths of all 10 people aboard.
Just a few days ago, a private jet owned by Vince Neil of Motley Crue crashed in Scottsdale, Arizona, killing the pilot and injuring three others.
It’s been a rough start to the year for aviation safety, with several high-profile crashes highlighting the risks involved in flying.
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