Search for crew of Navy Growler from Whidbey hampered by snow

EVERETT — The search continued Friday for two aviators whose Navy EA-18G Growler crashed near Mount Rainier during a routine training flight.

At 3:23 p.m., the Boeing-made aircraft from Electronic Attack Squadron 130 from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island crashed about 30 miles west of Yakima in a remote, steep and heavily-wooded area. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

As the search entered its fourth day, the fate of the two crew members remained unknown and their identities had not been released.

“Our priority is to locate our two aviators as quickly and as safely as possible,” said Capt. David Ganci, commander of the Navy’s Electronic Attack Wing, in a social media post. “Adhering to Dept. of Defense procedure, we cannot identify or confirm the names of aircrew involved in a mishap until 24-hours after their next of kin have been notified of their status. Please remain patient and limit speculation about the incident. That is one of the best ways we can respect the privacy of the loved ones who are impacted by this tragic event.”

https://www.heraldnet.com/news/search-for-crew-of-navy-growler-from-whidbey-hampered-by-snow/