Federal Investigators Seek Answers After Navy Jet Crash Claims Two Trailblazing Aviators Near Mount Rainier
Federal investigators are working to uncover what caused a devastating U.S. Navy jet crash near Mount Rainier that took the lives of two highly respected aviators. The EA-18G Growler—a $67 million electronic warfare aircraft—went down last week during a routine low-altitude training mission in rugged terrain east of the mountain. The tragedy has shaken both the Navy community and the nation as a whole.
On Monday, officials confirmed the loss of Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay P. Evans, 31, of Palmdale, California, and Lt. Serena N. Wileman, 31, also from California. Both were part of Electronic Attack Squadron 130 (VAQ-130)—the “Zappers”—stationed at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Washington.
Radar contact with the jet was lost late Friday morning, sparking an urgent search-and-rescue operation involving Navy aircraft, National Park Service rangers, and local authorities. The wreckage was found the next day scattered across steep, forested terrain at about 6,000 feet. By Sunday evening, officials delivered the heartbreaking confirmation: both officers had perished.
“It is with profound sorrow that we mourn the loss of two cherished Zappers,” said Cmdr. Timothy Warburton, commanding officer of VAQ-130. “Our hearts are with their families, shipmates, and everyone who knew these remarkable warriors.”
Two Pioneering Women in Naval Aviation
Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay Evans was already a history-maker. In 2023, she joined the first-ever all-female flyover at Super Bowl LVII, commemorating 50 years of women serving as U.S. Navy aviators. Known for her calm leadership and mentorship, Evans inspired countless young service members—especially women breaking into military aviation.
“She was the kind of officer everyone respected—steady under pressure, fiercely professional, and always looking out for others,” one squadron member recalled.
Her co-pilot, Lt. Serena Wileman, was a rising star within the aviation community. Commissioned in 2018, she quickly earned a reputation for precision and discipline, receiving multiple honors including the Navy Unit Commendation Medal and Combat Action Ribbon.
“She lived with purpose and flew with passion,” her father said. “Serena died doing what she loved—flying for her country.”
A Shocking and Rare Tragedy
The EA-18G Growler, a specialized variant of the F/A-18 Super Hornet, plays a critical role in electronic warfare—disrupting enemy radar and communications to protect allied forces. Known for its reliability and safety record, the sudden loss of the aircraft has raised urgent questions.
“This jet has one of the strongest safety records in the Navy,” said retired Cmdr. Rick Benson. “For it to go down without a distress call means something catastrophic happened.”
Investigations by the Naval Safety Center, NTSB, and local law enforcement are ongoing. Early theories suggest a possible mechanical or systems failure, though officials warn it could take months to determine the cause. Washington Governor Jay Inslee deployed the National Guard to secure the site, expressing condolences to the families and Navy personnel.
Nationwide Mourning
At Whidbey Island, a candlelight vigil drew hundreds of sailors, veterans, and civilians. Flowers, handwritten notes, and model aircraft filled the memorial as colleagues remembered two of their best.
“They set the standard for what it means to serve—with courage, grace, and excellence,” one sailor said.
Tributes poured in nationwide. Senator Patty Murray called Evans “a barrier-breaker and leader who inspired a generation,” while praising Wileman as “a model of professionalism and passion who embodied the Navy’s highest ideals.”
Admiral Lisa Franchetti, Chief of Naval Operations, echoed those sentiments:
“Their legacy will live on in every aviator who takes to the skies in service of our nation.”
Their Legacy Lives On
Both Evans and Wileman represented the best of modern naval aviation—trailblazers who showed that courage, leadership, and heart transcend gender and rank. Evans’s Super Bowl appearance symbolized the progress of women in flight, while Wileman’s dedication to mentoring young pilots ensured that legacy would continue.
Next week, the Navy will honor them with a joint memorial service at Whidbey Island, featuring the traditional missing man formation—a powerful aerial tribute to fallen aviators.
As Cmdr. Warburton said:
“The skies are quieter without them, but their spirit will soar with every mission we fly. They’ll forever remain part of our formation.”
Their memory—defined by bravery, mentorship, and service—will continue to inspire generations of aviators who dare to fly higher.