An EA-18G Growler mishap aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower sent two aviators into an emergency ejection during a landing off Virginia on Sept. 28, the Navy said.
The Associated Press reported that the arresting gear failed as the aircraft landed. The two aviators were rescued and returned safely to the carrier, while six other sailors were evaluated for injuries.
The Navy has not announced a final cause. USNI News later reported that the carrier was returning to Norfolk for a comprehensive assessment of its aircraft launch-and-recovery equipment.
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What Happened in the EA-18G Growler Mishap
AP and USNI News reported that the aircraft belonged to the “Zappers” of VAQ-130 and was assigned to Carrier Air Wing 3. The event occurred during recovery operations after an arresting-gear failure, according to the Navy statement cited by both outlets.
The two aviators ejected and were recovered. AP said the aviators and six other sailors were evaluated by medical personnel; one sailor went to a Norfolk-area hospital and the aviators plus two flight-deck sailors were flown to Naval Medical Center Portsmouth.
Eisenhower Paused Flight Operations for Assessment
USNI News reported on Oct. 3 that Eisenhower was returning to Norfolk so the Navy could conduct a comprehensive assessment of launch-and-recovery equipment. Flight operations were paused while the review continued.
The Navy said the ship remained safe for navigation and other shipboard operations. That statement does not establish whether the arresting-gear failure resulted from maintenance, equipment condition or another factor.
The return to port gives the Navy an opportunity to inspect the equipment involved before resuming normal carrier flight operations. Neither AP nor USNI News identified a timetable for completing that assessment.
The Mishap Cause Remains Under Investigation
The arresting-gear failure describes the event reported by the Navy, but the service has not issued a final mishap finding. No cause should be assigned beyond the official description until the investigation is complete.
USNI News reported that the Growler was lost after going over the side. AP’s initial report focused on the ejection and injuries and did not establish the aircraft’s final disposition, so the loss remains a single-outlet claim in this article.
FAQ: EA-18G Growler Mishap
Were the aviators safe after the EA-18G Growler mishap?
Yes. The Navy said both aviators ejected, were recovered and returned safely to the carrier.
What caused the EA-18G Growler mishap?
The Navy reported an arresting-gear failure during recovery, but the final cause remains under investigation.
Did USS Eisenhower stop flying aircraft?
USNI News reported that flight operations were paused while the carrier’s launch-and-recovery equipment was assessed.
Looking Ahead
The next milestone is the Navy’s assessment and any resulting return to normal flight operations. A formal investigation will be needed before the service can state the mishap’s final cause.
Sources
- Associated Press — Navy aviators eject during Eisenhower landing accident
- USNI News — Four injured after Eisenhower landing mishap
- USNI News — Eisenhower returns to port after Growler mishap
