Hawker Hunter Crashes Off California Coast
A Hawker Hunter, owned by civilian contractor ATAC, crashed into the sea off the Californian coast on October 17, 2025.
The aircraft, callsign ATAC 12, was operating with another Hunter, callsign ATAC 11, when the incident occurred. According to a source with firsthand knowledge, the Hunter jet suffered from an engine issue or failure.
Initially, the pilot attempted to divert to nearby Monterey Regional Airport, but it became apparent that the aircraft would not make it, and the pilot elected to abandon the plane.
The two Hunters were operating as 'red air' for F/A-18 Hornets flying from Naval Air Station Lemoore in the W283 and W285 military training areas off the coast.
The pilot was recovered after the incident.
No official statement has been released.
Author's summary: Hawker Hunter crashes off California coast due to engine issue.