Jet Lost, 3 Others Damaged in Crash on Aircraft Carrier Ranger

An A-6E Intruder attack jet was lost Friday after it crashed while landing on the aircraft carrier Ranger off the coast of San Diego.

The pilot and navigator, who were not identified, ejected and landed on the carrier’s flight deck, the Navy said. Both were said to be in good condition.

The Navy said the A-6E plowed into three Marine F/A-18 Hornets that were on the flight deck. No injuries were reported among other aviators or the flight deck crew.

The Navy declined to describe the extent of damage done to the Hornets, which were attached to Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101 at the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station in Orange County.

The Intruder, assigned to Attack Squadron 128 at the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station in Washington, went over the side and sank, the Navy said.

The accident occurred about 30 miles off the coast as Navy and Marine Corps pilots conducted carrier qualification landings on the Ranger. The Navy said Friday’s accident occurred in the morning but did not specify the time.

In the past three weeks, the Navy has lost four aircraft to accidents on the carriers Abraham Lincoln and Ranger, including three F-14 Tomcat fighters.