Pilot's Distress Call Revealed Before California Jet Crash
WHO:
CNN - The pilot was transferred to Fresno’s Community Hospital after the incident.
Fox News - The pilot of the Hawker Hunter jet, identified by the call sign Snake4.
WHAT:
CNN - The MK-58 Hawker Hunter jet was substantially damaged, according to a preliminary report.
CNN - The aircraft was owned by Tactical Advantage Company (ATAC), which operates out of Point Mugu Naval Air Station.
Fox News - The pilot reported engine failure and issued a mayday call before ejecting from the aircraft.
NY Post - The pilot ejected from the jet before it crashed into the Pacific Ocean.
WHERE:
CNN - The jet took off from Point Mugu Naval Air Station and was flying northwest before crashing near Morro Bay.
Fox News - The incident occurred off California's Central Coast, near Morro Bay.
NY Post - The crash site was in the Pacific Ocean.
WHEN:
NY Post - The mayday call was made just before the jet crashed.
WHY:
Fox News - The pilot reported engine failure as the reason for the mayday call.
HOW:
CNN - A Naval Air Station Lemoore UH-60 search-and-rescue helicopter was dispatched to rescue the pilot.
NY Post - The pilot ejected from the aircraft before it impacted the water.
(UPDATED September 24, 2026 20:00 UTC)
A pilot was transferred to Fresno’s Community Hospital following a crash involving an MK-58 Hawker Hunter jet, which was substantially damaged according to a preliminary report. The aircraft, owned by Tactical Advantage Company, took off from Point Mugu Naval Air Station and was flying northwest before going down near Morro Bay. A search-and-rescue helicopter from Naval Air Station Lemoore was dispatched to assist the pilot after the incident.
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(UPDATED September 24, 2026 19:00 UTC)
The pilot of a Hawker Hunter jet, known by the call sign Snake4, reported engine failure and issued a mayday call before ejecting from the aircraft. The incident occurred off California's Central Coast, near Morro Bay, where the jet ultimately crashed into the Pacific Ocean. Fortunately, the pilot successfully ejected before the aircraft impacted the water.