A Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet crashed into a mountainside in Yakima County, Washington, on Saturday afternoon, igniting a wildfire that forced the evacuation of nearby campers.
The crash occurred at approximately noon near Rimrock Lake, roughly 55 miles southeast of Seattle. The pilot ejected from the aircraft and sustained minor injuries before being transported to a local hospital for treatment. The Yakima County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the incident and the pilot’s condition.
According to a statement from the United States Marine Corps, the F/A-18 Hornet was assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, which operates out of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California. The aircraft was conducting routine training operations when the mishap occurred.
The impact sparked a fire in the heavily forested area surrounding the crash site. Local authorities moved swiftly to evacuate campers from the vicinity as firefighting crews mobilized to contain the blaze. The Naches Fire Department coordinated the initial response, deploying helicopters and ground crews to suppress the flames.
The United States Forest Service’s Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest division responded with additional resources, including helicopters and at least one engine company. Firefighters worked throughout the afternoon to prevent the fire from spreading further into the national forest land.
Officials have not disclosed the size of the wildfire, though the deployment of multiple helicopter units and ground crews suggests a significant firefighting effort was required. The rugged terrain and dry conditions typical of the region during summer months likely complicated suppression efforts.
The F/A-18 Hornet, a twin-engine supersonic fighter jet, has served as a cornerstone of Marine Corps aviation for decades. The aircraft is used for both air-to-air combat and ground attack missions. While generally considered reliable, the Hornet fleet has experienced mechanical issues as many airframes age beyond their originally intended service life.
The cause of Saturday’s crash remains under investigation. Marine Corps officials have not indicated whether mechanical failure, pilot error, or environmental factors contributed to the incident. Such investigations typically take weeks or months to complete as investigators examine flight data recorders, maintenance records, and wreckage.
This incident marks another aviation mishap for the Marine Corps, which has experienced several training accidents in recent years. The service has faced ongoing challenges maintaining aging aircraft while simultaneously transitioning to newer platforms.
The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, based at Miramar, is the Marine Corps’ largest aircraft wing and provides the majority of West Coast aviation assets. The wing regularly conducts training exercises throughout the Pacific Northwest and California.
No injuries to civilians or firefighters have been reported. The investigation into the crash continues.
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