US Navy loses another $67 mn F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet after it tumbles down to sea from USS Harry S Truman aircraft carrier

The US Navy has lost another F/A-18 Super Hornet, worth approximately $67 million, after a landing mishap aboard the USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea. The incident occurred Tuesday during a routine landing when the aircraft’s arresting system—designed to catch incoming jets—failed, causing the fighter to plunge overboard.

Both pilots ejected safely and were rescued by helicopter with only minor injuries. No one on the flight deck was hurt. A defense official, speaking anonymously, confirmed the details to The Associated Press.

The mishap marks the latest in a series of accidents involving the Truman, which has been central to US airstrikes against Yemen’s Houthi rebels. In April, another F/A-18 fell into the Red Sea while being towed on the hangar deck. In December, an F/A-18 was mistakenly shot down by the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg during a high-alert response to Houthi drone and missile attacks.


In February, the Truman also collided with a merchant vessel near Port Said, Egypt.

The aircraft carrier, based in Norfolk, Virginia, has had its deployment extended multiple times due to the ongoing conflict in the region. It was recently joined by the USS Carl Vinson operating in the Arabian Sea.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed on social media that an investigation is underway and clarified that the downed jet was not shot down by Houthi forces.