But as the plane had lifted off the carrier deck, the pilot quickly knew he was in trouble, possibly with a malfunction in one of the plane's engines. He radioed the air controller at Miramar, who ordered the emergency landing attempt.
Quite unhelpful reporting, however accurate/inaccurate. Makes me wonder why anyone would fly over a built up area with such a significant issue, when could have ejected safely out at sea. Not saying that is the case, just how this para reads.
Wish pilot and victims' families well.