U.S. Navy Fighter Jet Crash — Fallen Aviators from California
On a training flight east of Mount Rainier in Washington State, an EA-18G Growler fighter jet crashed, resulting in the deaths of both crew members. The aviators were identified as Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay P. Evans, a Naval Flight Officer, and Lt. Serena N. Wileman, a Naval Aviator—both 31 years old and from California .
They were part of the “Zappers,” the U.S. Navy’s Electronic Attack Squadron, and were honored as trailblazing female aviators. Lt. Cmdr. Evans notably participated in the first all-female flyover during Super Bowl LVII, marking 50 years of women serving as pilots in the Navy .
The jet wreckage was located at an elevation of roughly 6,000 feet in a remote, rugged, and heavily wooded area east of Mount Rainier; the cause of the crash remains under investigation .
Summary
- Who: Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay P. Evans and Lt. Serena N. Wileman, both from California.
- What: Killed in a fighter jet crash involving an EA-18G Growler.
- Where: East of Mount Rainier, Washington State, during a training mission.
- Why notable: Both were trailblazing female aviators; Evans participated in a historic all-female Super Bowl flyover.
If you’d like to know more—such as details about the Growler aircraft, tribute statements from the Navy, or background on these aviators’ careers—I’d be glad to help!
