Key Highlights
- Two U.S. Navy aircraft crashed within 30 minutes in the South China Sea.
- President Donald Trump suggested a possible fuel issue as the cause of the back-to-back crashes.
- The incidents occurred during President Trump’s Asia diplomacy tour, amid ongoing territorial disputes in the region.
- A Chinese spokesperson offered humanitarian assistance while criticizing U.S. operations in the South China Sea.
Two U.S. Navy Aircraft Crashes in South China Sea Amid Diplomatic Tensions
In a rare and alarming event, two United States Navy aircraft crashed within 30 minutes of each other in disputed waters of the South China Sea on Sunday, October 27, 2025. The incidents occurred during President Donald Trump’s ongoing tour of Asia, which includes meetings with key regional leaders.
The first crash involved a U.S. Navy MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 73, also known as the “Battle Cats.” The aircraft went down in the waters at around 2:45 p.m. local time, with all three crew members safely recovered.
Just 30 minutes later, a $60 million F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet from Strike Fighter Squadron 22, nicknamed the “Fighting Redcocks,” also crashed while conducting routine operations. Two crew members ejected and were later rescued by search and rescue teams.
Investigation Launched
The U.S. Navy has launched an investigation into both incidents, with a focus on determining the exact causes. A spokesperson for the U.S. Pacific Fleet stated that initial assessments point to potential fuel issues as one possible explanation, though this remains under investigation.
Political Context and Regional Tensions
The crashes occurred amid heightened tensions in the South China Sea, where China has been asserting its territorial claims over numerous islands and waterways. The incident comes at a time when U.S. military presence is seen as part of efforts to push back on Chinese sovereignty claims.
President Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One during his flight from Malaysia to Japan, described the back-to-back crashes as “very unusual.” He suggested a possible fuel issue but noted that “nothing to hide” and that an investigation would clarify matters. “They think it might be bad fuel,” he said in response to a reporter’s question.
China’s foreign ministry offered humanitarian assistance for any rescue and recovery operations, with spokesperson Guo Jiakun stating at a Monday press conference: “Beijing will provide necessary aid from a humanitarian perspective if the U.S. asks.” However, he also criticized American military activities in the region, accusing Washington of carrying out regular displays of military force that increase risks to maritime activity and undermine regional peace.
Operational Context and USS Nimitz
The crashes involved aircraft deployed from the USS Nimitz, one of the world’s largest warships. Commissioned in 1975, the Nimitz is the oldest serving U.S. aircraft carrier and is set for decommissioning in 2026 after a final deployment.
At the time of the incidents, the USS Nimitz was returning to its home port in Naval Base Kitsap in Washington State from a summer deployment to the Middle East in response to attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on commercial shipping. The carrier had been operating for most of the previous six months.
The U.S. military maintains a strong presence in the region as part of broader strategic efforts, including support for regional allies and deterrence against Chinese assertiveness. This latest incident is seen as an unfortunate but not entirely unexpected occurrence amid ongoing high-stakes operations in one of the world’s most critical maritime regions.
