[spaatzcadet]

Not nessesarily a engine malfunction-, the 18's have two.

As with most aircraft incidents, most likely PIC error.

[Blueflag]

prolly right. The F-18 is an "information intensive" environment for the PIC. Lot to keep track of. Also, flying single seat in a trainer. hmmm. Maybe it was a check ride for a hangar queen.

Dunno. Maybe he just lost the aircraft and had to punch out.