US Navy spy plane collision with Chinese fighter jet marks significant incident in 2001

On April 1, 2001, a U.S. Navy EP-3E spy plane collided with a Chinese J-8 fighter jet near Hainan Island. The J-8 pilot died, while the EP-3E crew made an emergency landing and were detained in China for 11 days. The incident occurred during a surveillance mission over international waters. After the collision, the EP-3E suffered significant damage but was able to land safely. U.S. diplomats negotiated for the crew's release, which involved a culturally sensitive apology. The damaged EP-3E was eventually returned to the U.S. in pieces for refurbishment. It was retired in 2024 and is now displayed at the Pima Air and Space Museum, marking the end of its operational history.