# F/A-18 Hornet crash in Washington

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/fa-18-hornet-crash-in-washington
> Updated: 2026-08-18T20:27:02.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

On June 13, a U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet crashed into a mountainside near Rimrock Lake, approximately 55 miles southeast of Seattle, during a routine low-level training flight. The impact ignited a wildfire and caused the aircraft to explode.

Major Jackson Simon, assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 11, successfully ejected from the jet before impact. He sustained minor injuries to his face and hands after passing through trees during his descent. 

Body camera footage released by the Yakima County Sheriff's Office shows the pilot approaching first responders while using a cell phone to contact emergency services. The U.S. Marine Corps is investigating the cause of the mishap, with the pilot reporting that the aircraft experienced issues during low-altitude maneuvers.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-18: US Marine pilot survives F/A-18 Hornet crash in Washington

Body camera footage shows a U.S. Marine pilot walking to responders after ejecting from an F/A-18 Hornet that crashed during a training flight near Rimrock Lake, Washington.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-marine-pilot-survives-fa-18-hornet-crash-in-washington

### 2026-08-15: F/A-18 Hornet crash in Washington: Bodycam footage released

Bodycam footage shows a fighter pilot walking away from an F/A-18 Hornet crash near Rimrock Lake, Washington. The pilot survived with minor injuries, and the Marine Corps is investigating the cause.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fa-18-hornet-crash-in-washington-bodycam-footage-released

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Cite as: F/A-18 Hornet crash in Washington. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/fa-18-hornet-crash-in-washington