2 Navy aviators are declared dead after a fighter jet crashed in Washington state. Two crew members who were missing following the crash of a fighter jet in mountainous terrain in Washington state during a routine training flight have been declared dead. The EA-18G Growler jet from the Electronic Attack Squadron crashed east of Mount Rainier on Tuesday. Search teams immediately launched from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island to try to find the crash site. The U.S. Navy said Sunday the crew members were declared deceased and that search and rescue efforts have shifted into a long-term salvage and recovery operation as the cause of the crash is being investigated.