Close Call at Sea: CH-46E Helicopter Crash-Lands on U.S. Navy Tanker
A U.S. Navy CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter experienced a harrowing failed landing on a Navy tanker during a routine training operation, prompting questions about the risks of shipboard aviation and the rigorous demands placed on flight crews operating in challenging maritime conditions.
The incident occurred during a scheduled logistics support mission in international waters. The CH-46E, a twin-rotor medium-lift helicopter commonly used by the Navy and Marine Corps for transport and supply missions, was attempting to land on the deck of a fleet oiler—a type of support tanker used to refuel and resupply Navy vessels at sea.
According to preliminary reports from Navy officials, the helicopter encountered sudden crosswinds during its approach. The deck was slick from ocean spray, and visibility was reportedly reduced due to haze and sea mist. These conditions contributed to the aircraft’s unstable descent as the pilot struggled to align the landing skids with the moving deck of the tanker.
Witnesses aboard the ship described the helicopter wobbling in the air just moments before impact. “It looked like the pilot was fighting the wind the whole way down,” said one crew member who was standing near the landing area. “The chopper touched down hard, bounced, then skidded sideways before the tail rotor struck the edge of the flight deck.”
The impact damaged the rear rotor and partially collapsed the aircraft’s landing gear. The helicopter came to rest on its side, but thanks to quick action from the deck crew and emergency responders, all personnel aboard the aircraft were safely evacuated within minutes. There were no fatalities, though several crew members sustained minor injuries, including the pilot and co-pilot, who were treated for bruises and whiplash.
The Navy immediately launched an investigation into the incident, with officials emphasizing that mechanical failure has not been ruled out. Maintenance logs, flight data, and cockpit communications are being reviewed, and the helicopter has been secured for transport to a nearby naval base for a full technical inspection.
The CH-46E Sea Knight has a long history of reliable service, dating back to its introduction in the 1960s. Though it has been gradually phased out in favor of more modern platforms like the MV-22 Osprey, the CH-46E remains in use in certain roles due to its durability and ease of operation.
Still, landing a helicopter on a moving ship remains one of the most technically demanding maneuvers in naval aviation. Pilots must account for not only the motion of the ship itself, which can pitch and roll with the waves, but also for wind speed, direction, and shifting weight loads on the flight deck. Even minor miscalculations can lead to severe accidents, especially in rough seas.
Military aviation experts note that training and simulation can only go so far in preparing crews for the real thing. “Every landing on a ship is unique,” said retired Navy pilot Commander Thomas Graham. “You have to react in real time, and conditions can change second by second. It’s a testament to the crew’s training that this didn’t end in a tragedy.”
The incident has led to renewed discussions about safety protocols during at-sea operations. While the Navy already adheres to strict guidelines for flight ops, such mishaps serve as stark reminders of the inherent risks involved in naval aviation.
The fleet oiler involved in the incident has resumed normal operations, though its flight deck remains closed pending further inspection. Navy leadership has praised the actions of both the flight and deck crews for their swift response under pressure.
As the investigation continues, the Navy will undoubtedly review procedures to see whether any changes are necessary to prevent future incidents. The hope is that lessons learned from this failed landing can improve safety and preparedness for all future shipboard aviation operations.
Though the CH-46E’s days may be numbered, its final missions are proving to be no less intense than its early years. And while this landing didn’t go as planned, the crew’s resilience and training ensured that everyone walked away—an outcome that speaks volumes about the professionalism of the U.S. Navy.
