Aircraft May Not Be Recoverable From The Bottom Of The Ocean

A U.S. Navy pilot was safely recovered from sea Wednesday after the F/A-18E Super Hornet he was flying went down approximately 45 miles off the Virginia Beach coast.

The accident occurred at approximately 1430 EST. The pilot ejected from the aircraft and a liferaft deployed. He was recovered by a fishing vessel. The pilot was conscious and was transported to Sentara Norfolk General by a Navy MH-60 Sea Hawk.
 
The F/A-18E is a single seated aircraft assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron One Four Three (VFA-143) based at Naval Air Station Oceana and was conducting routine training. The Navy is investigating the accident, according to a news release.

The captain of the fishing vessel that went to the aid of the pilot told television station WAVY that the other aircraft in the flight contacted him on the international marine hailing frequency (16) and led him to the accident site. He said they were unable to get the pilot on board the boat, but waited with him in his raft until the helicopters arrived.

Commander Mike Kafka with Naval Air Atlantic said it is not known if the aircraft is recoverable.

(Super Hornet image from file)

FMI: www.navy.mil