Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Jump to content
Independent

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

Swipe for next article

Independent Bulletin homepage

Download our
Social Partner

We are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)We are 8 logoWe are 8 logo
  1. All
  2. News
  3. Sport
  4. Culture
  5. Lifestyle

Trump says back-to-back US Navy aircraft crashes were ‘very unusual’

This photograph released by the U.S. Navy shows a MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter hovering over the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier while operating in the Middle East on April 12, 2025
This photograph released by the U.S. Navy shows a MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter hovering over the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier while operating in the Middle East on April 12, 2025
  • Two US Navy aircraft, an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter and an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet, crashed in the South China Sea within 30 minutes on Sunday.
  • All five crew members involved in the separate incidents were safely rescued and are reported to be in stable condition.
  • The aircraft were conducting routine operations from the USS Nimitz, which was returning to its home port after deployment.
  • Donald Trump described the back-to-back crashes as "very unusual" and suggested a possible fuel issue.
  • An investigation has been launched into the incidents, which occurred amid heightened tensions over China's territorial claims in the disputed waters.
In full

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in