The U.S. Navy is mourning the loss of two aviators after an EA-18G Growler crashed near Mount Rainier, with investigators continuing efforts to determine the cause of the deadly incident.
According to officials, the aircraft went down during a routine training mission in a remote area east of the mountain. The region’s steep slopes and dense forest made it difficult for search teams to quickly locate the wreckage, raising questions about how such a sophisticated electronic warfare aircraft could be lost under normal flight conditions.
The Navy identified the fallen service members as Lyndsay P. Evans and Serena N. Wileman, both 31 and from California. They were assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 130, known as the “Zappers,” based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
Evans served as a Naval Flight Officer and was highly regarded among her peers. She had recently participated in a milestone event, taking part in the first all-female flyover at Super Bowl LVII, which honored five decades of women serving in naval aviation. Wileman, a Naval Aviator commissioned in 2018, joined the Zappers in 2021 and quickly established a strong record. Her achievements included receiving the Navy Unit Commendation Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon.
Search crews located the crash site one day after the aircraft went down, finding debris scattered across rugged terrain at an elevation of about 6,000 feet. The challenging conditions slowed recovery operations, and by Sunday, officials confirmed that both aviators had died. The mission has since shifted from rescue to recovery.
Cmdr. Timothy Warburton, the squadron’s commanding officer, expressed deep grief over the loss, describing Evans and Wileman as valued members of the unit. He emphasized that the Navy is focused on supporting their families and assisting fellow service members during this difficult time.
In response to the crash, Jay Inslee authorized the Washington National Guard to help secure the crash site. Meanwhile, Navy personnel are preparing for a complex and lengthy recovery effort due to the difficult terrain.
The cause of the crash remains unknown. Investigators are examining a range of possible factors, including mechanical issues, environmental conditions, and operational circumstances, as they work to determine what led to the tragic.
