McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet - Accidents

Accidents

See also: Blue Angels#Accidents and 2007 Blue Angels South Carolina crash

• On 13 June 2008, an F/A-18C Hornet collided with a F-5F Tiger II over northern Nevada's high desert, killing its pilot. Both pilots of the F-5 were injured, but managed to parachute to safety.

• On 8 December 2008, an F/A-18D crashed in a populated area of San Diego, while on approach to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, killing four people on the ground. The pilot ejected safely; there was no Weapon Systems Officer (WSO) on board the aircraft.

• On 30 March 2011, an F/A-18C Hornet suffered a catastrophic engine explosion and subsequent fire just before launch from the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis off the coast of San Diego. The Hornet was at full power in tension on the catapult when the engine exploded; the aircraft was a total loss. Eleven flight deck crew were injured, and the pilot was unhurt.

• On 10 August 2011, a USMC F/A-18D crashed into the ocean 85-miles southwest of San Diego. Both crew members ejected and survived after spending four hours in the water.

• On 6 April 2012, a USN F/A-18D from VFA-106 crashed into apartment buildings in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Both crew members ejected. Seven injured people, including the two pilots, who were taken to the hospital; all survived. A last-second fuel dump may have prevented a fireball explosion, likely keeping casualties on the ground to a minimum.