Navy Restricts Hornet Jets for Repairs
The Navy has restricted some flights of F/A-18 Hornet jet fighters across the country, including those based at El Toro Marine Corps Air Station, until engine repairs on the $23-million aircraft can be made, a Corps spokeswoman said Saturday.
“There have been flight restrictions locally,” said Gunnery Sgt. Kathy Cabot, “depending on the number of flight hours each engine has. As of yesterday, we were assessing the impact to El Toro.”
Four of nine crashes involving the single-seat jet, including one Monday about 60 miles out at sea near San Diego, have been attributed to engine fires, said Maj. Gen. D.E.P. Miller, commander of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, which includes 36 of the planes.
The pilot in the most recent craft was rescued, but Miller halted all night flying over the ocean.
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