An EA-18G Growler from Electronic Attack Squadron 130 (VAQ-130), known as the “Zappers,” crashed into a mountainside east of Mount Rainier on Oct. 15. The aircraft, which took off from Oak Harbor on a routine training flight, crashed at 3:23 p.m. The condition of the two crew members on board remains unknown.
Multiple search and rescue assets were immediately deployed from NAS Whidbey Island, including a U.S. Navy MH-60S helicopter. The Navy is working closely with Yakima County tribal and local authorities in the search efforts.
The search teams are facing significant challenges due to the mountainous terrain, cloudy weather, and low visibility. The crash site is inaccessible by vehicle, and the Navy is preparing to deploy personnel to the site.
Capt. David Ganci, commander of the Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet, expressed his gratitude for the collaborative efforts of the search and rescue teams and local authorities: “I am thankful for the tremendous teamwork displayed by the NAS Whidbey Island squadrons — VAQ, VP, VQ, TOCRON 10 and SAR — as Team Whidbey continues to respond to our tragic mishap. I am also grateful to local law enforcement, responders, and tribal communities whose partnership has been essential in planning our critical next steps for access to the site.”
Retired Lt. Commander Howard Gulley, a 60-year veteran of the Navy, highlighted the support system available to the families of the missing aviators:”Everybody will chime in and help that family out the best they can. They’re not forgotten.” He also cautioned against premature assumptions about the crew’s fate.
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation. This incident marks the first fatal jet crash at NAS Whidbey Island since March 11, 2013, when a VAQ-129 Grumman EA-6B Prowler crashed, resulting in the death of three aviators. The 2013 crash was attributed to pilot error.
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