Navy Recovers Two Aviators After Eisenhower Aircraft-Recovery Mishap Off Virginia

VIRGINIA — A mishap during aircraft recovery operations aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) occurred at approximately 6:18 p.m. EDT (10:18 p.m. UTC) on September 28 off the coast of Virginia, the U.S. Navy said on September 29.

Two naval aviators assigned to Carrier Air Wing 3 (CVW-3) ejected from their aircraft and were recovered by search-and-rescue personnel, according to the Navy. Both were returned to the ship and were being evaluated by medical personnel.

Four shipboard personnel were also injured and were receiving medical care, the Navy said. One sailor was being transported to a Norfolk-area hospital for treatment of injuries the Navy described as non-life-threatening.

U.S. Fleet Forces Command stated on September 29 that the cause of the mishap was under investigation. The Navy did not identify the aircraft type, say what happened to the aircraft, name the injured personnel, or give a precise position.

What Happened

• A mishap occurred at approximately 6:18 p.m. EDT on September 28 during aircraft recovery operations aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower off Virginia, the U.S. Navy said.

• Two CVW-3 aviators ejected and were recovered by search-and-rescue personnel, then returned to the ship for medical evaluation, the Navy said.

• Four shipboard personnel were injured and were receiving medical care, the Navy said.

• One sailor was being taken to a Norfolk-area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, the Navy said.

• U.S. Fleet Forces Command said on September 29 that the cause was under investigation.

Eisenhower Was Conducting Atlantic Flight Operations After a 15-Month Yard Period

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower completed a 15-month Planned Incremental Availability (PIA), a scheduled maintenance, repair, and modernization period, at Norfolk Naval Shipyard and finished sea trials in April, the Navy said at the time.

The carrier is homeported at Naval Station Norfolk and is the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 2 (CSG-2).

Official Statements

• U.S. Fleet Forces Command, September 29: “An aircraft mishap occurred Sept. 28 during recovery operations aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower off Virginia. Two CVW-3 aviators ejected and were safely recovered. Four shipboard personnel were injured. Mishap cause under investigation.”

• U.S. Navy, September 29: “At approximately 6:18 p.m. EDT on Sept. 28, a mishap occurred during aircraft recovery operations aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) off the coast of Virginia. Two Naval aviators assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 subsequently ejected from their aircraft and were promptly recovered by search-and-rescue personnel. Both aviators were safely returned to the ship and are being evaluated by medical personnel. Four shipboard personnel were also injured during the mishap and are receiving medical care. One Sailor is being transported to a Norfolk-area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.”