A U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet went overboard from the aircraft carrier USS Harry S Truman (CVN-75) on Tuesday evening in the Red Sea, marking the second incident of a jet being lost from the same carrier in just over a week. The incident occurred at approximately 9:45 PM local time during a nighttime landing attempt.
According to defense officials, the twin-seat aircraft suffered an “arrestment failure,” meaning its tail hook failed to properly engage the arresting wire designed to slow the jet upon landing. This resulted in the aircraft overshooting the flight deck and plunging into the sea.
Both the pilot and the weapons systems officer on board the $67 million warplane ejected safely from the aircraft. They were promptly recovered by a helicopter from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 11 and assessed by medical personnel, who reported only minor injuries. No flight deck personnel were harmed during the incident.
This is the second such mishap involving a Super Hornet from the USS Harry S Truman in a short period. On April 28, just over a week prior, another F/A-18 Super Hornet was lost when it fell overboard while being towed in the hangar bay.
The USS Harry S Truman is currently deployed to the Middle East and has been involved in operations, including strikes against Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The back-to-back loss of two high-value aircraft from the same carrier will likely prompt a thorough review of safety protocols and operational procedures.
Preliminary indications suggest that the cause of Tuesday’s incident was the failure of the aircraft’s tail hook to catch the arresting wire. This system is crucial for the safe landing of aircraft on aircraft carriers, rapidly decelerating them from high speeds within a short distance. An investigation is underway to determine the precise reasons for the failure.
Adding a layer of complexity to the situation, reports have emerged that Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen may have targeted the USS Harry S Truman with a projectile on the same day as the latest jet loss. These reports surfaced despite President Donald Trump reportedly announcing a ceasefire with the group just hours earlier. However, it remains unclear whether this alleged attack is in any way related to the aircraft incident.
The U.S. Navy and U.S. Central Command have acknowledged the incident and confirmed the safe recovery of the aircrew. However, they have declined to provide further details as the investigation is ongoing. The lost F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to the “Red Rippers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11, has not yet been recovered from the Red Sea.
The loss of two aircraft in quick succession from the USS Harry S Truman raises questions about potential systemic issues or contributing factors. The investigations into both incidents will be closely watched to ensure the continued safety of naval aviation operations, particularly in a region with ongoing tensions and active military engagements.
