Updated
Updated · NBC News · Jun 14
Marine Pilot Ejects Before F/A-18 Crash on Washington Mountain, Sparking 1 Brush Fire
Updated
Updated · NBC News · Jun 14

Marine Pilot Ejects Before F/A-18 Crash on Washington Mountain, Sparking 1 Brush Fire

3 articles · Updated · NBC News · Jun 14

Summary

  • Minor injuries were reported after a Marine pilot ejected safely before an F/A-18 Hornet crashed around noon Saturday near Rimrock Lake in Washington state.
  • Routine training turned into what Marine Aircraft Group 11 called a non-fatal aviation mishap when the California-based jet went down on a mountain in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest area.
  • Naches Fire and the U.S. Forest Service responded to the brush fire started by the wreckage, completed structure protection near Bear Creek cabins and planned mop-up operations Sunday.
  • Yakima County sheriff's officials recovered the pilot and took the marine to a hospital, while investigators said the cause review could take months.

Insights

Beyond the flames, how does this crash help rewrite the wildfire risk map for the entire Pacific Northwest?
The pilot ejected safely, but what is the hidden medical price pilots pay for survival?