F/A-18 Hornet: The Jet Was Assigned To Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Based At MCAS Miramar In San Diego And Was Conducting Routine Training Approximately 55 Miles Southeast Of Seattle When The Non-Fatal Aviation Mishap Occurred Shortly Before Noon On Saturday June 13
According to CBS News and KIRO-TV, a US Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet crashed into a mountain Saturday afternoon in Yakima County, Washington, sparking a wildfire and prompting the emergency evacuation of campers from the area. The crash occurred at approximately noon near Rimrock Lake.
The pilot ejected from the aircraft and sustained minor injuries. The Yakima County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the pilot was transported to hospital. The US Marine Corps issued a statement to CBS affiliate KIRO-TV confirming the aircraft was an F/A-18 Hornet assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.
The jet “experienced a non-fatal aviation mishap while conducting routine training approximately 55 miles southeast of Seattle, Washington,” the statement read. The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing is based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California.
The crash ignited a fire in the mountainous terrain around Rimrock Lake. Helicopters and at least one ground engine from the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, operated by the US Forest Service, were deployed alongside the Naches Fire Department to suppress the blaze. The size of the fire remained unclear Saturday evening. Campers in the surrounding area were evacuated as a precautionary measure while crews worked to contain the flames.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by military officials. To check out our previous coverage on US military incidents and emergency response, read our articles here.
