Second F/A-18 Super Hornet Lost in Red Sea Within a Week

Red Sea, May 6, 2025 – A second F/A-18F Super Hornet from the USS Harry S. Truman was lost in the Red Sea on Tuesday evening, marking the second such incident in just over a week. The accident occurred at approximately 9:45 p.m. local time while the jet was attempting a nighttime landing aboard the aircraft carrier.

Officials reported that the aircraft experienced a ‘failed arrestment,’ meaning the tail hook did not catch the wire used to slow the jet down during landing. Instead, the jet continued its descent and crashed into the sea. Both the pilot and the weapons systems officer ejected safely and were later recovered by a rescue helicopter, suffering only minor injuries.

This incident follows another mishap that happened on April 28, when a different F/A-18E jet fell overboard while being towed in the hangar bay aboard the Truman. Investigations into both events are currently ongoing.

In addition to these losses, the USS Harry S. Truman has been under increased pressure due to recent attacks from the Houthi rebel group, which is backed by Iran. While President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire agreement with the Houthis earlier in the day, the group reportedly fired at the Truman just hours later, raising questions about the intended ceasefire’s effectiveness.

The carrier has faced several challenges during its deployment in the Red Sea. In December, another F/A-18 from the Truman was unintentionally fired upon by a U.S. Navy destroyer, which led to that aircraft crashing into the sea. Furthermore, the Truman experienced a collision with a merchant vessel in February in the Mediterranean Sea, resulting in the relief of its commander.

The F/A-18 fighter jets are valued at over $60 million each. The Truman’s current mission involves protecting commercial shipping in the Red Sea from Houthi attacks, which have increased since late 2023.

The Navy has referred inquiries about the latest incident to U.S. Central Command as investigations unfold.