Navy aircraft with 2 aboard crashes east of Mount Rainier
SUMMARY
A Navy EA-18G Growler aircraft crashed east of Mount Rainier in Washington state during a routine training flight on October 15, 2024. The two crew members aboard remain unaccounted for, with their status unknown as of 7 p.m. that evening. The EA-18G Growler is an electronic attack aircraft, part of the F/A-18 family, and is used for electronic warfare operations. The aircraft was assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 130 (VAQ-130), based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, known as the "Zappers" and recognized as the oldest electronic warfare squadron in the Navy. Following the crash, the Navy launched a search operation involving a MH-60S helicopter from Whidbey Island. Search efforts are ongoing, and the Navy has committed to providing more information as it becomes available.
