Navy pilot rescued after ejecting from jet off Virginia coast
Share and Follow


NAVAL AIR STATION OCEANA, Va. (WAVY) – A Navy pilot is recovering after ejecting from an F/A-18E Super Hornet Wednesday morning off the coast of Virginia.

LT Jackie Parashar, a public affairs officer for Naval Air Force Atlantic, confirmed to Nexstar’s WAVY the mishap took place just before 10 a.m.

The pilot, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83, was conducting a routine training flight at the time, the Navy said. The squadron is based at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach. The pilot ejected and the plane crashed into the water. The Navy has not indicated yet what led to the crash.

Search and rescue crews responded and located the pilot at 11:21 a.m.

Dale Gauding, a spokesperson for Sentara, confirmed the Coast Guard brought a Navy pilot to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital Wednesday. 

The F/A-18E remained in the water as of publishing time.

The Navy said the cause of the mishap is under investigation.

This is the latest in a series of crashes involving Hampton Roads-based Navy fighter jets. In May, an F/A-18F Super Hornet was lost in the Red Sea after it went over the Norfolk-based USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier during an attempted landing, and crashed into the sea. Both pilots ejected. About a week earlier, another fighter jet, an F/A-18E, also fell from the Truman into the Red Sea while sailors were towing the aircraft.

In December, an F/A-18 Super Hornet assigned to the “Red Rippers” of Strike Fighter Squadron 11 out of Naval Air Station Ocean, was shot down during an apparent “friendly fire” incident. That jet also took off from the Truman.

According to Naval Air Systems Command, the F/A-18E Super Hornet costs around $67 million.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Plant City police charge 2 more men with 14-year-old's 2024 murder

Video above: Homicide investigation underway after 14-year-old with ‘upper body trauma’ dies…

Local Teen from Cumberland County Steps Up to Supply Hygiene Products for Children

GREENUP, Ill. (WCIA) — The saying, goes “if it’s a good idea,…

Mayor green lights Science Center development; residents call it 'giant win' for St. Pete

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — The City of St. Petersburg will move…

Airlines Aim to Reverse Consumer Protections – Here’s How Passengers Can Respond

(NEXSTAR) – In early September, the Trump administration announced the dismantling of…

Piatt County School District Investing $2 Million in Upgrades

BEMENT, Ill. (WCIA) — Much needed renovations in one Piatt County school…

France Calls for Stronger Measures Against Russia, Advocates for Shooting Down Drones and Halting Oil Vessels

COPENHAGEN – Europe must take a more aggressive approach with Russia by…

Trump and Vought to Discuss Proposed Federal Budget Cuts and Layoffs During Government Shutdown

President Trump said he would meet Thursday with his Office and Management…

Urgent Update: Mall Shooting Suspects Charged with Murder and Multiple Offenses

SAVANNAH, Ga. () – All six suspects in the July 2 Oglethorpe…