In an unexpected and costly mishap, a US Navy F/A-18 fighter jet worth nearly $70 million fell off the side of the iconic USS Harry S. Truman and plunged into the Red Sea.
According to an official announcement by the US Navy, the incident occurred while the aircraft was being moved aboard the carrier. Shockingly, the jet rolled off the deck and sank to the bottom of the sea.
At the time of the accident, there was one crew member inside the jet and another aboard the towing tractor. Fortunately, both were able to jump clear just in time. The Navy confirmed that no lives were lost, although one of the crew members sustained minor injuries.
How Much Does an F-18 Cost?
The F/A-18 is a highly advanced, state-of-the-art fighter jet, with each aircraft carrying a price tag of about $70 million, according to ABC News.
Meanwhile, more sophisticated models like the F/A-18 Super Hornet can cost up to a billion dollars, depending on their configurations and additional systems.
This incident marks not just a significant financial loss for the US Navy but also raises questions about the safety measures followed during operations aboard aircraft carriers. An investigation into the incident is underway.
