A U.S. Marine pilot walked away from the scene of a fighter jet crash in Washington state, covered in blood but able to speak coherently, according to body camera footage released by the Yakima County Sheriff's Office. The pilot ejected from the F-18 Hornet before it smashed into trees near Rimrock Lake on June 13, sparking a wildfire that forced evacuations.
Pilot's Account of the Crash
In the footage, the pilot, from Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing based in California, is seen approaching police officers on a nearby road. He is on the phone with 911 and explains what happened: 'That's an F-18. Well, that was an F-18. We were doing circles over the lake, doing some low-level training. And then I tucked in, and honestly I'm not sure exactly.'
A witness tells him, 'You hit the tree bad, bud. You're shaking.' The pilot then calls his team, saying, 'Hey buddy, I just crashed.' He suffered minor cuts and lacerations, described as a 'non-fatal aviation mishap' by his squadron, and was taken to a hospital for a check-up.
Wildfire and Evacuations
The crash ignited a wildfire in the remote area within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, approximately 125 miles southeast of Seattle. Campers in the area were evacuated, and the fire department deployed a helicopter to combat the flames. The multi-million-dollar McDonnell Douglas Hornet was destroyed in the crash.
Investigation Underway
The crash remains under investigation. Authorities have not released further details about the cause. The pilot's survival and ability to walk away from the wreckage highlight the effectiveness of the ejection system, though the incident underscores the risks of low-level training flights.
