Marine Fighter Jet Crashes During Training Flight in Washington State, Sparking Wildfire; Pilot Ejects Safely

YAKIMA COUNTY, Wash. – A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18D Hornet fighter jet crashed into a hillside near Rimrock Lake in Washington state on Saturday during a routine low-level training mission, igniting a wildfire in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, officials confirmed.

The pilot successfully ejected before impact and was rescued with only minor injuries, according to the Marine Corps and local authorities. No one on the ground was hurt.

The incident occurred around noon local time on June 13 as the aircraft, assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323 (VMFA-323) "Death Rattlers" out of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in California, was flying the VR-1355 low-level training route approximately 55 miles southeast of Seattle.

Dramatic video captured by bystanders showed the jet descending rapidly before the pilot ejected, with the aircraft slamming into a wooded hillside and erupting in flames.

The crash sparked the Pine Tree Fire, which prompted the evacuation of nearby campgrounds and cabins in the popular recreation area. Firefighters, including crews from the Naches Fire Department and U.S. Forest Service, responded swiftly with helicopters and ground engines, quickly containing the blaze to around two acres.

"The aircraft experienced a non-fatal aviation mishap while conducting routine training," the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing said in a statement. The pilot was transported to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

The Marine Corps has launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash. The destroyed aircraft was a two-seat F/A-18D Legacy Hornet, BuNo 165412, operating as "Snake 21."

This latest incident comes as the U.S. military continues to conduct essential training operations to maintain readiness amid global threats. Marine officials stressed that safety remains a top priority, and the swift ejection and response highlight the professionalism of our service members and first responders.

Rimrock Lake, located east of Mount Rainier in Yakima County, is a popular spot for camping, boating, and outdoor activities. Authorities urged the public to avoid the area until the situation is fully resolved.