EA-18G

U.S. NAVY TEMPORARILY GROUNDS ALL F/A-18E/F SUPER HORNETS AND EA-18G GROWLERS FOLLOWING ACCIDENT

By Dario Leone
Dec 18 2016
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The operational pause will allow both Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and Boeing engineers time to investigate the accident

Following an on-deck emergency experienced at NAS Whidbey Island by an EA-18G the U.S. Navy has temporarily suspended flight operations for the Super Hornet and Growler.

As reported by the service press release in fact a U. S. Navy E/A-18G jet assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 132 Scorpions experienced an on-deck emergency at Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island at approximately 1100 (PST), on Dec. 16, 2016.

The aircraft was damaged and both aircrew sustained injuries and were transported by a NAS Whidbey Island SAR helicopter to Harborview Medical Center for evaluation. The cause of the emergency is under investigation.

Naval Air Forces has temporarily suspended flight operations for all F/A-18 E/F Super Hornets and E/A-18G Growlers as a safety precaution since they share common aircraft systems, with exceptions made on a case-by-case basis dependent upon operational requirements. The operational pause will allow both Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and Boeing engineers time to investigate the incident.

Source: U.S. Navy; Photo credit: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John Philip Wagner, Jr. and Seaman Weston A. Mohr / U.S. Navy


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Dario Leone

Dario Leone

Dario Leone is an aviation, defense and military writer. He is the Founder and Editor of “The Aviation Geek Club” one of the world’s most read military aviation blogs. His writing has appeared in The National Interest and other news media. He has reported from Europe and flown Super Puma and Cougar helicopters with the Swiss Air Force.

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