A F/A-18 Super Hornet of the Royal Australian Air Force suffered an engine failure during its takeoff run. The two pilots successfully ejected from the aircraft.
The McDonnell Douglas F/A-18F Super Hornet was taking off with several other jets from Amberley airbase in Queensland, northeastern Australia, when the fighter jet suffered what appeared to be an engine failure. Both pilots managed to safely eject from the aircraft.
“The aircrew of that aircraft are safe and no other personnel were involved in the incident,” the Australian Department of Defence said in a statement. “The cause of the incident is not known at this time and will be subject to investigation.”
The fighter was substantially damaged during the incident. Pictures of the crash site show burning marks around the cockpit of the aircraft, which could have been caused by the explosive charge of the ejection.
Royal Australian Air Force grounds all Super Hornets and Growlers after yesterday’s incident at Amberley airbase. https://t.co/8PpzWRUt1K pic.twitter.com/JoV1YEAZ2O
— Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@breakingavnews) December 9, 2020