US Navy helicopter and jet crash in South China Sea within 30 minutes: Causes and casualties — What we know

Two US Navy aircraft crashed into the South China Sea in separate incidents on Sunday. According to a statement from the US Navy's Pacific Fleet, the first crash involved a MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, which “went down while conducting routine operations from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz”

According to US Navy, the second crash involved a Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet that crashed into the South China Sea "while conducting routine operations" from the USS Nimitz.

Earlier in 2025, two US Navy warplanes were lost from the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman during operations in the Middle East. According to CBS News, an F/A-18F Super Hornet plunged into the sea in May after a failed landing attempt — the second such incident involving the same jet type.

US Navy said that in the first crash, all three crew members aboard the helicopter were recovered by search and rescue teams. Navy added that in the second crash both crew members aboard ejected themselves from the vessel and were safely recovered. "All personnel involved are safe and in stable condition," the US Navy added.

The USS Nimitz (CVN-68) is currently deployed in the South China Sea. US Navy said that the cause of "both incidents is currently under investigation."

This crash comes amid President Donald Trump's first Asia tour. He arrived in Japan on Monday after attending ASEAN Summit and overseeing the signing of Cambodia Thailand peace agreement.