The pilot of an MK-58 Hawker Hunter ejected and was rescued after the jet crashed into the Pacific about 6 miles northwest of Morro Bay Tuesday evening. The pilot is hospitalized in Fresno and is reported to have no significant injuries. The Navy has temporarily grounded ATAC-operated Hawker Hunters while the NTSB and FAA investigate. FAA records list the aircraft as about 53 years old; ATAC operates 22 Hunters and four were supporting the mission.
Pilot Rescued After MK-58 Hawker Hunter Crashes Into Pacific Near Morro Bay; ATAC Fleet Temporarily Grounded
Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John T. Jarrett/U.S. Navy - PHOTO: In this Sept. 10, 2025, file photo, an MK-58 Hawker Hunter attached to Airborne Tactical Advantage Company taxis at Naval Air Station Point Mugu, Calif.
A pilot was rescued after his MK-58 Hawker Hunter jet crashed into the Pacific Ocean off California's Central Coast on Tuesday evening, authorities said. The single-seat jet went into the water about 6 miles northwest of Morro Bay at roughly 6:50 p.m. local time after the pilot reported an engine problem.
Air-traffic-control audio captured by LiveATC.net records the pilot declaring, "Mayday, mayday, mayday. I have lost thrust in my engine." According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the pilot ejected before the aircraft impacted the sea. The U.S. Navy recovered the survivor from the water; the pilot was taken to a hospital in Fresno and is reported to be in good condition with no significant injuries.
Response and Recovery
The U.S. Coast Guard initially received notification of a downed aircraft about 6 miles northwest of Morro Bay. Navy personnel performed the recovery in coordination with local agencies. ATAC (Airborne Tactical Advantage Company) confirmed the pilot is under medical care and described him as being in "great spirits".
Grounding and Investigation
The Navy has temporarily grounded Hawker Hunter jets operated by government contractor ATAC while the incident is investigated. Both the NTSB and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have opened inquiries into the cause of the crash. ATAC supported the Navy's decision to ground the fleet as a routine safety measure during the ongoing probe.
Aircraft and Mission Details
The aircraft involved was listed in FAA records as an MK-58 Hawker Hunter and is approximately 53 years old. ATAC operates 22 Hawker Hunters in its fleet; the jet that crashed was one of four ATAC aircraft supporting a contract mission for the Navy and Marine Corps and was based at Naval Base Ventura County.
Photo credit: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John T. Jarrett/U.S. Navy (file photo of an MK-58 Hawker Hunter at Naval Air Station Point Mugu)
Authorities continue to investigate the mechanical and operational factors that led to the engine problem and subsequent crash. Additional details will be released as the NTSB and FAA complete their on-scene and technical examinations.
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