US Navy Plane Sinks After Slipping from Carrier
- An F/A-18 Super Hornet assigned to the U.S.Navy slipped from the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S.
- According to a statement released by the U.S. Navy, the aircrew lost control of the aircraft during the procedure.
- As of Tuesday, it remains unclear whether the Navy intends to attempt recovery of the sunken fighter jet.
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An F/A-18 Super Hornet assigned to the U.S.Navy slipped from the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) and sank during a towing operation,the Navy confirmed Monday. The incident also resulted in the loss of the aircraft’s tractor.
Crew Safety and Inquiry
According to a statement released by the U.S. Navy, the aircrew lost control of the aircraft during the procedure. Sailors overseeing the operation were able to escape before the aircraft whent overboard, though one sustained minor injuries. The Navy has launched an investigation to determine the precise cause of the mishap.
Potential Recovery Operation
As of Tuesday, it remains unclear whether the Navy intends to attempt recovery of the sunken fighter jet. The cost of such an operation is estimated to be around $60 million.
Possible Cause: Evasive Maneuvers?
An anonymous source, as reported by CNN, suggested the incident might have been triggered by “a tight turn to escape the shots of the Houthis.”
A former U.S. Navy captain,speaking to CNN,described such maneuvers as a series of rapid zig-zag turns,”around 30 to 40 degrees of 30 seconds each,” which can cause the ship to incline “10 to 15 degrees” during each turn.
Series of Incidents for Carrier Strike Group
This incident marks the latest in a string of challenges for the carrier strike group, which has been deployed at sea for several months. In December 2024,another Super Hornet was lost due to a amiable fire incident involving a missile strike from the cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG-64),which is part of the same group. Furthermore, the USS Harry S. truman underwent repairs in Greece following a collision with a trawler off the coast of Egypt in february.
## US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet Lost at Sea: Q&A
### What happened to the F/A-18 Super Hornet?
An F/A-18 Super Hornet assigned to the U.S. Navy slipped from the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. truman (CVN-75) and sank during a towing operation. This incident was confirmed by the Navy. The aircraft’s tractor was also lost.
### Where did this incident occur?
The incident took place on the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75).
### Did anyone get hurt?
Yes, according to the U.S. Navy, one sailor sustained minor injuries. The aircrew was able to escape before the aircraft went overboard.
### What is the status of the examination?
The U.S. Navy has launched an investigation to determine the precise cause of the mishap.
### Will the Navy attempt to recover the sunken F/A-18 Super Hornet?
As of Tuesday, it remains unclear whether the Navy intends to recover the fighter jet.
### How much would it cost to recover the F/A-18 from the sea?
The cost of a recovery operation is estimated at around $60 million.
### What might have caused the F/A-18 to fall into the sea?
An anonymous source,as reported by CNN,suggested the incident might have been triggered by “a tight turn to escape the shots of the Houthis.”
### How do naval vessels perform evasive maneuvers?
A former U.S. Navy captain, speaking to CNN, described evasive maneuvers as a series of rapid zig-zag turns. These turns can be “around 30 to 40 degrees of 30 seconds each,” which can cause the ship to incline “10 to 15 degrees” during each turn.
### What is a Carrier Strike Group?
A Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is a naval military unit comprised of a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and a squadron of ships, including guided-missile cruisers, destroyers, and attack submarines, that perform a variety of functions.
### How does this incident fit into a larger pattern of challenges for the carrier strike group?
this incident marks the latest in a series of challenges for the carrier strike group, which has been deployed at sea for several months.
### What othre incidents have occurred with this carrier strike group?
In December 2024, another Super Hornet was lost due to a fire incident involving a missile strike from the cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG-64), which is part of the same group. Furthermore, the USS Harry S. Truman underwent repairs in Greece following a collision with a trawler off the coast of Egypt in February.
### Key Facts About the Sunken F/A-18 Incident:
Here’s a quick summary:
| Incident | details |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Involved | F/A-18 Super Hornet |
| Location | USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) |
| Incident Type | Slipped off the deck during towing |
| Injuries | One sailor with minor injuries |
| cause (Potential) | Evasive maneuvers, possibility of being targeted by the houthis |
| Recovery Decision | Undecided, estimated cost $60 million |