2022 Remains an Unlucky Year for the F/A-18

This year has had an unusual frequency of small aircraft incidents throughout the military, but news of a back-to-back instance of Class-A mishaps caught the watchful eye of military enthusiasts. 

Class A mishaps are those which result in damages greater than $2.5 million, an occurrence in the Super Hornet, the F/A-18F Super Hornet experiencing nearly back-to-back mishaps in recent months. 

On November 21, one of Strike Fighter Squadron 106's Super Hornets flying out of Naval Air Station Oceana had a mishap upon takeoff. During the takeoff roll, one of the Super Hornet's main gear tires blew, resulting in engine and fuselage damage. The aircraft managed to land safely with no injuries to the pilot. 

The very next day, an E-model Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 131 experienced an in-flight engine fire while out on a routine flight around the Virginia Capes. For now, Navy brass is relatively quiet on the issues, citing investigations underway.

Earlier this year, the Navy lost an additional Super Hornet when the Harry S. Truman lost one of its aircraft off the side of the deck. The carrier had been underway in the Mediterranean to undergo replenishment, when intense winds and heavy rain blew the Hornet into the seas. 

FMI: www.navy.mil