Yesterday,
Simple Flying reported a US Navy EA-18G had crashed during routine training
near Mount Rainier in Washington state and that the US Navy
search and rescue mission was ongoing. Now, authorities have announced the wreckage of the Growler has been found while the hunt for the two aviators is continuing. The crashed
electronic warfare aircraft belongs to the “Zappers” of the Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ-130).
Crash site of “Zappers” EA-18G Growler found
According to Cmdr. Beth Teach (a Navy spokeswoman in San Diego), the EA-18G Growler was found around 12:30 Wednesday on a steep ridge that cannot be reached on foot or by vehicle. She also said, “The status of the two crew members is unknown.” The Growler is a two-seater electronic attack version of the Navy’s F/A-18 Hornet.
Photo: Joe Kunzler | Simple Flying
The latest report is that search teams are planning to climb to the crash site on Thursday—but first, a safe route through the snow and rain needs to be mapped out. The Navy stated, “Responders are facing mountainous terrain, cloudy weather, and low visibility as the search is ongoing.”
The identities of the two crew members have also not yet been released while the cause of the crash will be determined in an investigation. Kiro7 reported, “The “Zappers” of VAQ-130 recently completed a combat deployment on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower as the only E/A-18G Growler squadron with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3.”
Related
The Boeing EA-18G Growler: 5 Things You Need To Know
A quick dive into the fighter and its 15-year history.
Ongoing search and rescue effort
The EA-18G Growler crashed at around 15:23 on Tuesday. The Navy was observed searching for the downed aircraft with a Navy P-3 Orion, a P-8A Poseidon, and an MH-60S Sea Hawk. The P-3 and P-8 maritime patrol aircraft are based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
The naval station’s website states, “NAS Whidbey Island is the premier naval aviation installation in the Pacific Northwest and home of all Navy tactical electronic attack squadrons flying the EA-18G Growler. Eight Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance squadrons flying the P-3 Orion, P-8 Poseidon, and EP-3E Aries add to the depth and capability of the air station.”
Photo: Joe Kunzler | Simple Flying
At 07:00 on Wednesday the FAA issued a flight ban around the site so that the Navy could search for the missing aircraft and crew safely.
Zappers scored the Growlers first air-to-air kill in 2024
In July 2024, The War Zone reported that the VAQ-130 “Zappers” achieved the EA-18G’s first-ever air-to-air kill, shooting down what was likely a Houthi drone in the Red Sea area. The squadron appeared to confirm the article by posting “The first EA-18G air-to-air kill” on Facebook and reposting the article. Unlike previous electronic warfare fighter jets, the Growler is not defenseless and is able to carry missiles.