Hawker Hunter news
The gist
A Hawker Hunter jet ditched in the Pacific off Morro Bay, California, after engine failure.
The Navy then grounded 22 ATAC Hunters.
How it unfolded
- Sep 22, 2026The Hawker Hunter F.58A (registration N345AX) lost thrust and ditched into the Pacific about 5-6 NM northwest of Morro Bay, California, at about 18:50 local time; the pilot, the only person aboard, ejected and was rescued by a U.S. Navy MH-60 helicopter. The aircraft was destroyed.
- Sep 23, 2026The Navy grounded the 22 Hawker Hunters operated by ATAC pending investigation, which ATAC said was standard practice and which it supported. The Coast Guard said it had not found the jet or any wreckage and warned boats in the area to watch for debris.
- Sep 24, 2026ATAC's John Rupp said the pilot was in a Fresno hospital, not yet released, in "great condition, great spirits, and no significant injuries."