The two-seater EA-18G experienced an unexpected failure during its cruising at 25,000 feet Jan. 29, on a flight from Washington State’s Naval Air Station Whidbey Island to Naval Weapons Station China Lake.  Aircraft’s Environmental Control System (ECS) failed, the temperature inside the cockpit dropped to -30 degrees and a layer of ice engulfed the canopy and instrument panels. The two pilots were forced to use the emergency oxygen supply, which was completely depleted by the end of the flight.

As navigation systems failed, the crew relied on a Garmin watch back to Whidbey Island, but both pilot suffered serious injuries due to frostbite. The aircrew suffered from “severe blistering and burns on hands,” according to the Navy internal report.