US Navy identifies possible cause of two separate crashes in South China Sea, Trump says
In a recent incident over the South China Sea, two U.S. Navy aircraft from the USS Nimitz crashed during separate routine operations, prompting President Donald Trump to address the situation while aboard Air Force One. During a media gaggle, Trump stated that there is no suspicion of foul play related to the crashes and mentioned that one potential cause being considered is faulty fuel. He expressed confidence that more information would be available soon, indicating that the Navy is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the incidents.
The two aircraft involved were an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter and an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet, both of which were conducting standard operations as part of the USS Nimitz’s mission. The helicopter went down around 2:54 p.m. local time, leading to a swift response from search-and-rescue teams from Carrier Strike Group 11. All three crew members aboard the helicopter were safely recovered and reported to be in stable condition. Approximately 30 minutes later, the fighter jet also crashed, but its two crew members successfully ejected before the aircraft impacted the water. They were also rescued and returned to the USS Nimitz, where they are reportedly doing well.
The USS Nimitz, a veteran of the U.S. Navy for 50 years, is currently on its final tour before being retired. This incident underscores the inherent risks associated with military operations, even during routine missions. The Navy’s quick response in both cases highlights its commitment to crew safety and operational readiness. As investigations continue, the possibility of mechanical failure, such as bad fuel, remains a focal point for understanding the causes of these crashes.
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President
Donald Trump
says the U.S. does not suspect foul play in the two separate crashes of U.S. Navy aircraft in the South China Sea this weekend.
Trump made the statement during a gaggle with reporters aboard Air Force One, saying he expected to get answers regarding the crashes soon. One possibility he’d been given was that the planes had faulty fuel, the president said.
“You’ve been briefed on the incident, on the Nimitz, both a fighter jet and a helicopter?” a reporter asked.
“I’ve heard about it, yeah,” Trump responded.
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“Do you know what happened there? What was that?” the reporter asked.
“They’re going to let me know pretty soon. I think they should be able to find out. It could be
bad fuel
. I mean, it’s possible it’s bad fuel. Very unusual that that would happen,” Trump said.
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“You don’t think it was foul play or anything?” the reporter pressed.
“No, I don’t,” Trump replied. “They think it might be bad fuel.”
Two U.S.
Navy aircraft
from USS Nimitz — a Sea Hawk helicopter and an F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet — crashed during separate “routine operations” over the South China Sea on Sunday. All five crew members aboard the two craft were rescued and remain in stable condition, according to the Navy.
The U.S. Pacific Fleet — the Navy’s largest operational command — said in a post on X that around 2:54 p.m. local time, an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the “Battle Cats” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 73 crashed in the South China Sea while conducting routine operations from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68).
Search-and-rescue teams from
Carrier Strike Group 11
, operating alongside the Nimitz, quickly launched recovery efforts and safely pulled all three helicopter crew members from the water.
Roughly 30 minutes after the helicopter incident, an
F/A-18F Super Hornet
from the Nimitz, assigned to the “Fighting Redcocks” of Strike Fighter Squadron 22, also went down in the South China Sea during flight operations.
Search-and-rescue teams again responded swiftly, recovering the jet’s two crew members, who had successfully ejected before the aircraft hit the water. Both aviators were transported back to the Nimitz and are reported to be in stable condition.
USS Nimitz has been commissioned in the U.S. Navy for 50 years, and its current tour is set to be its last before being retired.
Fox News’ Greg Wehner contributed to this report.
Eric
Eric is a seasoned journalist covering US Politics news.
