F/A-18 Hornet Mishaps: Expert Pilot Explains Potential Causes and Impact on Morale

F/A-18 Hornet Landing Mishaps

• ✈️ The Pentagon is investigating the loss of an F/A-18 fighter jet that crashed into the Red Sea, with pilots successfully ejecting.
• ⚠️ This incident marks the second $70 million aircraft lost in two weeks, prompting an inquiry into potential causes.
• ⚓ A key focus is the landing approach to the aircraft carrier, where pilots are trained to go to full power if they miss the arresting wire.

Potential Causes of Aircraft Loss

• ⚙️ Mechanical failures are being considered, including a potential failure of the tail hook or the arresting gear's cross-deck pendant.
• 🧑‍✈️ Human error is also a possibility, such as the arresting gear being set incorrectly for the specific aircraft, leading to cable snap.
• 💻 The F-18 Hornet utilizes a fly-by-wire system, where flight control computers optimize pilot inputs, differing from older hydraulic systems.

F/A-18 Hornet Flight Characteristics

• 🕹️ In the F-18, pilots are "voting members" with flight control computers optimizing maneuvers for a smoother flight experience.
• 🌊 The F-18 Hornet is described as a dream to land compared to older aircraft like the F-14 Tomcat or F4, requiring very sensitive stick inputs.
• 🤖 Newer fighter jets feature autoland capabilities, making manual landings almost an emergency scenario.

Broader Context and Morale Impact

• 💥 This landing mishap is the third F-18 loss off the USS Harry Truman during its current tour, following a friendly fire incident and an encounter with enemy fire.
• 😥 The crew is experiencing a grind of 24/7 combat operations against the Houthis, impacting morale significantly.
• ⚓ The USS Harry Truman is nearing the end of its deployment and needs to return home after sustained combat operations, which are inherently dangerous even in peacetime.
• 🙏 The expert commends the sailors, marines, and aircrew for their service on the "tip of the spear."