Super Hornet jet plunges off USS Truman into Red Sea
The F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jet, a valued American military asset worth approximately $60 million, accidentally slipped off the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier into the Red Sea. Unfortunately, there is no possibility of recovery. The accident resulted in minor injuries to one individual.
What you need to know
- What happened? The F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jet accidentally slipped 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, where the aircraft carrier was stationed.
- 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 happened during the towing of the aircraft. During this process, the crew lost control of both the fighter jet and the towing vehicle, resulting in both 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 also escaped unhurt. The USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier is involved in the American operations against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.
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 taking part in operations against Houthi fighters since mid-March. American forces regularly engage in attacks against the rebels using fighters, bombers, and drones.
