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. The two Hunters were serving 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.
According to a source with firsthand knowledge, the Hunter jet experienced an engine issue or failure. The pilot initially attempted to divert to nearby Monterey Regional Airport but was unable to make it and elected to abandon the aircraft.
The pilot was recovered after the incident.
Author's summary: Hawker Hunter crashes off California coast due to engine issue.