Navy Jet Crashes on Carrier
An A-6E Intruder attack jet was destroyed Friday when 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.
According to the Navy, the A-6E plowed into three Marine F/A-18 Hornets that were on the flight deck. No injuries were reported.
The time of the incident was not disclosed.
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, according to the Navy.
The accident occurred about 30 miles off the coast as Navy and Marine Corps pilots conducted carrier qualification landings on the Ranger.
In the past three weeks, the Navy has lost four aircraft due to accidents on the carriers Abraham Lincoln and Ranger, including three F-14 Tomcat fighters.
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