Navy Launches Urgent Search Following EA-18G Growler Crash in Mountains

A routine Navy training mission took a disastrous turn as the search continues for the missing crew of a crashed EA-18G Growler near Mount Rainier.

At a Glance

Wreckage of EA-18G Growler located, crew status unknown
Crash site not accessible by motorized vehicles
Difficult search conditions with adverse weather
Ongoing investigation into crash causes

Search Operation Challenges

The U.S. Navy is leading efforts to find the crew of an EA-18G Growler jet that crashed during a routine training mission near Mount Rainier. The aircraft could not be accessed using motor vehicles, compounding the difficulty of the rescue mission. Search efforts were mounted using a U.S. Navy MH-60S helicopter from NAS Whidbey Island. These operations are integral given the aircraft’s advanced electronic warfare capabilities.

The crash, which occurred at approximately 3:23 p.m. local time, has left the status of the two crew members unknown. Anticipated snowfall across the Cascades further complicates search efforts aimed at locating the missing soldiers and thoroughly investigating the crash site.

Navy crew missing after E/A-18G Growler crashes near Mount Rainier https://t.co/a1OVvdFoFx

— Task & Purpose (@TaskandPurpose) October 16, 2024

Understanding the EA-18G Growler

The EA-18G Growler is a crucial U.S. Navy aircraft embedded with state-of-the-art technology aimed at electronic warfare. Its similarity to the F/A-18F Super Hornet positions it as a major component in the Navy’s defensive hierarchy, aimed at jamming radar and communication signals. The Electronic Attack Squadron 130, from which the aircraft deployed, recently returned from operations in the Middle East.

“The EA-18G Growler aircraft we fly represents the most advanced technology in airborne Electronic Attack and stands as the Navy’s first line of defense in hostile environments,” the Navy stated on its website.

This sophisticated aircraft is equipped to carry a pilot and an electronics operator, and incurs a production cost of approximately $67 million. Despite its advanced technology, the intricacies of military flight operations continue to present inherent risks.

The fighter jet, assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 130, crashed east of Mount Ranier on Tuesday. https://t.co/d0ejGUlZB2

— Navy Times (@NavyTimes) October 16, 2024

Future Inquiry and Efforts

Investigations continue into the reasons behind this unfortunate incident near Mount Rainier. Aviation expert John Nance has floated the possibility of a “Controlled Flight into Terrain” (CFIT) scenario, while the absence of an emergency locator signal remains troubling. The larger search operation involves various military and civilian aircraft operating tirelessly under challenging conditions.

“What it sounds very much like is a thing called ‘Controlled Flight into Terrain’ (CFIT), when you have the aircraft under control and it is basically piloted into the wrong place. But we don’t know that for sure,” commented Nance. “The fact that we didn’t have emergency locator transmitters and that there was no communication from the pilots is a very grim indicator.”

The developing situation urges continued attention, as future updates could provide clarity regarding the missing crew members’ fates and further inform the Navy’s inquiry into similar risks associated with its training missions.