Navy Jet and Helicopter Crash Separately in South China Sea

• Oct 27, 2025

Two U.S. Navy aircraft crashed in separate incidents over the South China Sea on Sunday, prompting quick rescue operations for all crew members involved.

According to the Navy, the first incident occurred when a Sea Hawk helicopter went down during what officials described as “routine operations.” About 30 minutes later, a second incident took place involving an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet. The two crew members on board the fighter were forced to eject during another round of “routine operations.”

All personnel from both aircraft were rescued safely, the Navy confirmed. No fatalities or serious injuries were reported. The Navy has not yet provided additional details about the cause of either crash, though investigations are now underway to determine what went wrong in both cases.

The Sea Hawk helicopter, which is commonly used for search and rescue, anti-submarine warfare, and transport missions, was operating in the region when it experienced difficulties that led to the crash. The Navy did not say whether the aircraft had been part of any specific mission at the time.

Roughly half an hour later, the crew of the F/A-18F Super Hornet encountered problems that forced them to eject from the jet mid-flight. Both pilots were recovered by nearby naval vessels conducting operations in the area.

The Navy described both incidents as unrelated and emphasized that safety procedures and training allowed for the rapid recovery of all personnel involved. “The safety of our crew remains our top priority,” a Navy spokesperson said in a brief statement.

The South China Sea remains one of the most strategically sensitive regions in the world, with frequent U.S. military activity aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation amid rising tensions with China. However, the Navy clarified that both crashes happened during standard training and operational flights, not combat missions.

While both aircraft were lost, officials said the incidents would not affect ongoing naval operations in the area. Investigators are expected to examine mechanical issues, weather conditions, and flight data to determine the exact causes of the crashes.