A desperate search is underway for two missing navy pilots, who disappeared following a fighter jet crash on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. The United States Navy said that the two pilots on a routine training flight on an EA-18G Growler fighter jet crashed Tuesday afternoon somewhere east of Mount Rainier in Washington state. It is unclear if the pilots went down with the plane or they ejected before the crash.
While the fighter jet was located on the mountainside east of Mount Rainier, they have yet to find the two navy pilots, the Navy said in a press release to USA TODAY.
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The publication reported the search team includes a U.S. Navy MH-60S helicopter launched from Whidbey Island to “locate the crew and examine the crash site.” However, the navy noted the weather forecast of heavy snow in the Mount Rainier region could hinder search and rescue efforts.
The navy did not identify the missing pilots. The cause of the crash was also undisclosed.
Community offers support as officials continue to search for two missing navy pilots
According to multiple reports, on Tuesday afternoon EA-18G Growler fighter jet, based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island north of Seattle, was on a routine training flight when it crashed around 3:20 p.m.
Shortly after the crash, the Navy deployed a search team, including a U.S. Navy MH-60S helicopter, which continued to search for signs of the crash through Tuesday night. However, low visibility stemming from cloudy weather conditions delayed their efforts to track down the fighter jet. The search team located the jet at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday somewhere east of Mount Rainier in Washington.
However, the search continues for the missing crew members. According to NBC, the Navy said:
"The status of the two crew members is unknown while the search effort continues.”
As the search intensified, several people took to social media to express concern for the missing navy pilots. In a post on Facebook, a social media user, Meghan Cooker, wrote:
“Pray, pray, pray for these missing aviators. This hits close to home as they’re out of my old duty station. Please pray they were able to eject safely and are found alive.”
Another user, Steve Peterson, hoped the missing navy pilots survived the crash. He wrote:
“I hope they are able to eject & are just hiking out of the heavy wooded terrain or something! Just not having any form of communication.”
The EA-18G Growler fighter, also known as VAQ-130, is reportedly the oldest electronic warfare squadron. According to the Air Force, the electronic warfare aircraft is “capable of disrupting, deceiving or denying a broad range of military electronic systems" which includes radars and communication devices.
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