UPDATED: 11:15 a.m., Wednesday, September 23, 2026:
The U.S. Navy rescued an aircraft pilot well after sunset Tuesday evening from the Pacific Ocean after a forced water landing just northwest of Morro Bay.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed to KSBY that the aircraft involved was a MK-58 Hawker Hunter, similar to the one in the Department of War's file image below.
In a press release, the FAA stated: "A MK-58 Hawker Hunter crashed into the Pacific Ocean near San Luis Obispo, California, around 6:50 p.m. local time on Tuesday, Sept. 22, after the pilot reported an engine issue. Only the pilot was on board. The FAA will investigate."
KSBY Reporter Valeñtina Saldana is in Morro Bay reporting on the story Wednesday.
According to the California Coast Guard, their team based in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area received notifications of the downed aircraft at approximately 7:07 p.m.
KSBY confirmed the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport also received a report at that time of an aircraft in distress.
KSBY Reporter Jessica Roe confirmed that a team from Station Search and Rescue (SAR) Lemoore rescued the pilot, who was the sole person on board. According to their website, they conduct the following work at Lemoore:
"Station Search and Rescue (SAR) Lemoore, equipped with four MH-60S Seahawk helicopters, stands at the forefront of rapid response and lifesaving operations for the Central Valley. With unparalleled versatility, this command is expertly trained to conduct critical rescue missions across diverse and challenging environments, ranging from vast open waters to rugged mountainous terrain."
We have put a request for information into the Lemoore SAR's public information officer. The Hoist Operators Union provided a "shout-out" to the Lemoore SAR in the following Instagram Post:
The Morro Bay Coast Guard station promptly dispatched a rescue boat to search for the aircraft.
After the U.S. Navy rescued the pilot, they transported him to safety. KSBY Reporter Jessica Roe reached out to local hospitals and the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard Wednesday morning, but so far, there is no word on his condition.
If you plan to be on a boat or any type of watercraft in this area of the Pacific Ocean on Wednesday, mariners are urged to navigate with caution and promptly report any debris or pollution to authorities.
This is a developing story and KSBY will continue to update information right here in this story as we receive any news.
