Super Hornet fighter jet lost in Red Sea mishap, inquiry launched
The F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jet, a significant American military asset valued at approximately $60 million CAD, accidentally slipped off the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier into the Red Sea. Unfortunately, there is no chance of recovering it. The accident resulted in minor injuries to one individual.
What do you need to know?
- What happened? The F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jet slid off the hangar deck of the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier into the Red Sea.
- When and where did it happen? The incident occurred on Monday in the Red Sea, close to the aircraft carrier's stationed location.
- What were the consequences? The aircraft was lost, and one person sustained minor injuries.
How did the accident happen?
The U.S. Navy reported that the F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jet slipped off the hangar deck of the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier into the Red Sea. The accident took place during the towing process of the aircraft when the crew lost control over both the fighter jet and the towing vehicle, resulting in both vehicles going overboard.
Did anyone get hurt?
The sailor who was in the pilot's seat of the Super Hornet managed to jump out of the aircraft but sustained minor injuries. The driver of the towing vehicle was also able to escape. The USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier is part of the American operations against the Houthi rebels in Yemen, who are supported by Iran.
What are the next steps?
An investigation into the cause of the accident is currently underway. The aircraft carrier remains stationed in the Red Sea, where it has been involved in operations against the Houthi fighters since mid-March. American forces regularly launch attacks on the rebels using fighters, bombers, and drones.
