RT reported that the plane crash occurred at around 10:15 a.m. on February 12 (local time) during a “go-around maneuver,” when the pilots had just landed and were preparing to take off again, according to US Navy spokeswoman Beth Teach.
Video circulating online shows the plane still having its landing gear intact as it plummeted into the water. Witnesses said the plane hovered for several minutes before nosediving, sending a plume of water and debris shooting more than 20 metres into the air.
Both pilots ejected and were rescued by a nearby fishing boat. They were conscious when they were taken to a local hospital in stable condition. The identities of the two pilots have not been released.
The US Navy is currently investigating the cause of the incident. The Coast Guard has cordoned off the scene at San Diego Harbor.
The EA-18G Growler, developed by Boeing, is an advanced electronic warfare aircraft capable of jamming and protecting US military forces in the air.
This is the second accident involving this type of aircraft in less than a year, following a crash near Mount Rainier, Washington last October that killed both pilots.
