EA-18G Goes Down Near Mount Rainier, Leaves Two Dead

The US Navy recently identified the two crew members killed in an EA-18G Growler crash near Washington’s Mount Rainier. It took the branch, with help from the Yakima County Sheriff's Office and other local law enforcement teams, several days to reach their remains.

Aerial search crews discovered the crash site at around 12:30 pm on October 16. It is 6,000 feet up in a remote area located nearly 175 miles south of the jet’s base at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. Special Forces soldiers from Joint Base Lewis-McChord were required for the rescue mission due to their mountaineering and navigation experience.

The Electronic Attack Wing Pacific is now getting assistance from the Washington National Guard for a recovery mission. Personnel will be further searching the area and collecting debris from the wrecked jet.

The Growler involved is from “The Zappers," also known as Electronic Attack Squadron 130 or VAQ-130, which operates the Navy’s oldest electronic warfare squadron. It was taking a routine training flight when it went down. 

“It is with a heavy heart that we share the loss of two beloved Zappers,” commented Cmdr. Timothy Warburton, commanding officer of VAQ-130. “Our priority right now is taking care of the families of our fallen aviators, and ensuring the well-being of our Sailors and the Growler community. We are grateful for the ongoing teamwork to safely recover the deceased.”

The two crew members killed were naval flight officer Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay P. Evans and naval aviator Lt. Serena N. Wileman. They were both 31-year-olds from California.

Investigators are now working to determine the cause of the crash.

FMI: www.airpac.navy.mil