EA-18G down

[Zaphod58]

A reported EA-18G, reportedly using the TRON callsign, went down on Shelter Island near San Diego today. Reports are that they declared an emergency shortly before going down. Weather in the area was reported to be bad, with fog and low clouds at the time. Both crew members were able to eject and were rescued according to word going around. The aircraft was participating in Bamboo Eagle 25-1.

[UltraBudgie]

And this was the first time Canada was participating in a Bamboo Eagle. Coincidence?

[Zaphod58]

The aircraft was BuNo 166855, tail code NL-520, the VAQ-135 Black Ravens CAG bird. The crew ejected at low altitude and were picked up by fishermen that saw them land in the water. The aircraft climbed after they ejected and subsequently dove into the water near Naval Base Point Loma.

[UltraBudgie]

So, what do they do now? Fish the thing out? I guess so, but how? And how hard is it to get it airworthy again, do you think? That salt water can do a number. But I suppose they've planned for having to do this kind of thing?

[Zaphod58]

So, what do they do now? Fish the thing out? I guess so, but how? And how hard is it to get it airworthy again, do you think? That salt water can do a number. But I suppose they've planned for having to do this kind of thing?

It's destroyed. It impacted the water at a high rate of speed at about a 45 degree angle. There's not anything left to make airworthy again. It's in shallow water so it will be an easy recovery of the wreckage.