Training jet crashes off California coast, pilot rescued safely
Military training jet crashes off California coast; pilot rescued, federal investigation underway.
Event / Disaster
Military Training Jet Crash California
MK-58 Hawker Hunter training jet operated by contractor ATAC crashed into Pacific Ocean near Morro Bay, California on September 24, 2026. Pilot ejected safely and was rescued with no significant injuries. FAA and NTSB launched investigations into engine failure during Navy/Marine Corps exercise.
2 reported locations
Daily activity
1 articles0 articles
2026-09-25 to 2026-11-02 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 25 Sept, 01:05 UTC
Follow the documented timeline or explore the related reporting.
What happened
Aircraft operated by ATAC military contractor confirms training mission
The crashed aircraft was operated by Air Tactical Advantage Company (ATAC), a private military contractor that provides training support to the US Navy, US Air Force, and US Marine Corps. ATAC maintains a fleet of over 90 aircraft and operates from approximately 25 different air bases annually. The company's pilots are former military jet pilots with extensive flight experience. ATAC provides contracted air support capabilities to the US Department of Defense.
MK-58 Hawker Hunter training jet crashes off Morro Bay, California coast
A MK-58 Hawker Hunter military training jet operated by Air Tactical Advantage Company (ATAC) crashed into the Pacific Ocean approximately 6 miles northwest of Morro Bay, California. The aircraft had taken off from Point Mugu Naval Air Station and was performing training operations for the US Navy and US Marine Corps when it encountered engine failure around 6:49 p.m. The pilot reported loss of thrust in the engine to air traffic control before the crash occurred.
Pilot rescued from Pacific Ocean after ejecting from crashed fighter jet
The pilot of the MK-58 Hawker Hunter ejected from the aircraft before it crashed into the Pacific Ocean. A UH-60 search-and-rescue helicopter from Naval Air Station Lemoore was dispatched and rescued the pilot from the water. The unidentified pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, was transferred to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno with no significant injuries and was undergoing medical evaluation.
FAA and NTSB launch investigation into jet crash
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board initiated investigations into the MK-58 Hawker Hunter crash. The NTSB is expected to release a final investigative report within three to six months. The aircraft was substantially damaged in the crash, and its recovery status remained uncertain pending further assessment of water depth and retrieval costs.
Read the coverage
2 alternative perspectives