UMVA has learned that a U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18D Hornet fighter jet crashed on Saturday afternoon near Rimrock Lake in Yakima County, Washington, during a routine training flight.
The pilot ejected safely and was taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation and treatment of minor injuries, a testament to the advanced training and quick thinking that saved a life in this harrowing incident.
No other injuries were reported, but the crash ignited a small wildfire on the south side of the lake, prompting a swift response from local firefighters and the U.S. Forest Service to contain the blaze.
Columns of smoke rose into the air as the fire burned, with helicopters and at least one engine from the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest crew working to suppress the flames, which were described as "small," ranging from about half an acre to approximately 2 acres.
The incident occurred around noon local time in a remote, forested area of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, approximately 55 miles southeast of Seattle, near popular camping spots, raising concerns about the potential for a larger disaster.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the cause of the crash is under investigation, with officials working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, but no mechanical issues, pilot error details, or other causes have been publicly disclosed.
The jet was assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, based at a major military air station on the West Coast, highlighting the importance of this aircraft and its crew to national defense.
