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| A US Navy E/A-18G Growler Electronic Attack Aircraft |
by Allen Cone
The U.S. Navy temporarily grounded all Super Hornet and Growler squadrons because a canopy exploded off a jet earlier this month (Dec 2016), according to a Naval Safety Center summary of the incident.
At the time the Navy said an "on-deck emergency" involved the aircraft's canopy but the military did not give details. The Growler's pilot and electronic warfare officer were hurt Dec. 16 as the Boeing E/A-18G Growler assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 132 prepared for a training flight at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station in Washington state.
Several factors likely contributed to the incident, including a combination of frigid and soggy weather, and routine aircraft washing, according to the Navy.
The Navy suspended flight operations for the planes for three days as it investigated. Super Hornets and Growlers share certain common aircraft systems.
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