Aviation News – ATAC fighter jet accident off Big Sur under investigation
A Hawker Hunter jet operated by civilian defense contractor Airborne Tactical Advantage Company (ATAC) crashed into the sea off the California coast on October 15, with the pilot sustaining serious injuries. The aircraft was part of a two-ship training flight when the incident occurred, prompting an immediate rescue response.
The aircraft, using the callsign “ATAC 12,” was flying alongside another Hunter, “ATAC 11,” near Big Sur, when it went down into the ocean. Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore’s search and rescue unit dispatched an MH-60 helicopter, callsign “RESCUE04,” which successfully recovered the pilot and transported them to Stanford Medical Center for treatment. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
The Hawker Hunter, a British-designed jet originally developed in the 1950s, is used by ATAC to provide adversary air training for U.S. military pilots. These aircraft simulate enemy threats in combat exercises, playing a key role in maintaining pilot readiness and tactical proficiency for the U.S. Navy and Air Force.
“Safety is our top priority, and we are working closely with authorities to determine the cause of the incident,” an ATAC spokesperson said in a brief statement. “We are thankful for the swift response of NAS Lemoore’s rescue teams and medical personnel.”
The investigation will focus on the circumstances leading to the crash, including weather, aircraft performance, and flight data. The incident highlights the inherent risks of military-style training operations carried out by civilian contractors supporting defense missions.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation as recovery and safety assessments proceed. The crash underscores the vital yet challenging role private defense firms play in U.S. military readiness and flight training operations.
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