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Mishaps point to possible problem for Hornets

The Navy suffered two major mishaps involving F/A-18 Hornets in early August, both suggesting problems with the jets’ airflow system and one resulting in an engine fire.

Both mishaps prompted emergency landings after indications of a failed bleed air system, which can cause an engine fire or cut the cockpit’s oxygen supply.

Lt. Callie Ferrari, a Navy spokeswoman at the Pentagon, said the mishaps were under investigation and it was “premature to speculate” about whether the mishaps were related or whether the Navy plans any inspections. No injuries were reported.

The bleed air system siphons compressed air from the engine system and redirects it for uses that can include pressurizing the cockpit or de-icing wings.

In the first mishap, an F/A-18A+ Hornet made an emergency landing in San Diego on Aug. 7 after the cockpit’s control panel showed dual bleed air warning lights.

The plane, which was assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 204 based at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, landed safely at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, said Lt. Adam Bashaw, a spokesman for Naval Reserve Forces.

The incident was initially listed as a Class A mishap, meaning it resulted in more than $1 million in damage. It was later downgraded to a Class B, suggesting the repair costs will exceed $200,000, Bashaw said.

The nature of the damage and the cause of the air-system warning remain under investigation, Bashaw said.

F/A-18A+ Hornets are single-seat aircraft with an upgraded radar system.

In the second, an F/A-18F Super Hornet made an emergency landing in central California on Aug. 13 after a fire erupted in the starboard engine, said Lt. Glenn Sircy, a Navy spokesman with Naval Air Forces, Pacific.

The pilot’s control panel showed an engine fire and also flashed a bleed air warning light, Sircy said.

The plane landed safely at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake shortly before noon. It was assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 122, at Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif.

The plane was conducting a familiarization flight, Sircy said. VFA-122 is the West Coast’s fleet replacement squadron for Super Hornets.