A fighter jet crashed into San Diego Harbor on Wednesday morning during a routine training exercise, prompting an immediate emergency response. The incident took place around 10:15 a.m. local time when an EA-18 Growler, a two-seat military aircraft, attempted a go-around maneuver—a standard aviation procedure where an aircraft aborts a landing and prepares for another takeoff.

Immediate Response and Rescue Efforts

Both pilots on board the aircraft ejected successfully before impact, landing in the harbor waters. They remained afloat for about a minute before a nearby fishing boat rescued them. Shortly afterward, Coast Guard teams arrived on-site and retrieved the pilots, who were subsequently placed under 24-hour medical observation as a precaution. Officials have reported that both individuals are in good condition with no serious injuries. The Navy and local emergency responders quickly secured the crash site, ensuring no further risks to civilian or military personnel. Authorities have urged members of the public to report any debris found in the water to aid in recovery and investigative efforts.

Ongoing Investigation and Safety Measures

Initial assessments suggest that the go-around maneuver may have contributed to the incident. However, a full investigation is underway to determine the precise cause. Aviation safety experts are analyzing flight data, pilot reports, and environmental conditions at the time of the crash to uncover any underlying factors. The EA-18 Growler was operating as part of an integrated training mission out of North Island. While the crash has temporarily closed the local airfield, officials anticipate a swift reopening to resume regular training operations. The closure is a precautionary measure while investigators piece together the events leading up to the accident.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and risks associated with military flight training. The quick reaction from emergency responders and the coordinated rescue efforts played a crucial role in preventing casualties. As military officials continue to analyze the event, lessons learned will likely lead to enhancements in training safety protocols to prevent future occurrences. Authorities remain committed to transparency in their investigation and will provide updates as more details emerge. In the meantime, the aviation community closely watches developments, reinforcing the importance of safety measures in high-risk training operations.