This article was updated to include new information from a US Navy press release confirming the loss of two crew members in the EA-18G Growler crash near Mount Rainier and ongoing recovery efforts.
A US Navy EA-18G Growler crashed east of Mount Rainier in the US state of Washington, and the Navy has confirmed the loss of both crew members.
The aircraft, part of the Navy’s oldest electronic warfare squadron, the “Zappers” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130, went down during a routine training flight on October 15, 2024, at approximately 15:20 local time.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the loss of two beloved Zappers,” said Commander Timothy Warburton, commanding officer of VAQ 130. “Our priority right now is taking care of the families of our fallen aviators, and ensuring the well-being of our Sailors and the Growler community. We are grateful for the ongoing teamwork to safely recover the deceased.”
According to the US Navy, the wreckage rests at approximately about 1,828 meters (6,000 feet) altitude in a remote, steep and densely forested area east of Mount Rainier. It was located on October, 16, 2024. However, it could not be reached until two days later with the help of soldiers from 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Tacoma, Washington.
“1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) brings specialized mountaineering, high-angle rescue, medical, and technical communication skills necessary to navigate the difficult terrain associated with the Cascade Mountain Range that is inaccessible by other means,” said the Commander of US Naval Air Forces Pacific.
Teams at the site are actively searching the area, collecting debris, and preparing for an extended salvage and recovery operation. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
The aircraft was operating out of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI), located north of Seattle, when the incident occurred. A US Navy MH-60S helicopter dispatched from NASWI is supporting search efforts, along with additional search and rescue assets deployed to the crash site.
The Boeing EA-18G Growler is a carrier-based twin-seat electronic warfare aircraft developed by Boeing for the US Navy. A variant of the F/A-18F Super Hornet, the Growler specializes in electronic attack capabilities, including jamming enemy radar and communications systems. This makes it a crucial asset for disrupting adversary defenses and providing support for strike missions.