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Marine F/A-18D Pilot Ejects Safely Before Crash

June 13, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

A US Marine Corps F/A-18D pilot ejected safely before crash.
The crash occurred during a routine training mission.
The incident sparked a wildfire near Rimrock Lake.
The cause of the crash is under investigation.

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Strategic Implications

This incident may highlight the ongoing challenges of maintaining legacy aircraft, which could impact the Marine Corps' transition to newer platforms like the F-35. The crash suggests a need for continued investment in pilot training and safety protocols, which may influence future procurement decisions.

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What Happened

Fighter Jet Goes Down In Washington State During Training Mission

A US Marine Corps F/A-18D Hornet fighter jet crashed near Rimrock Lake in Washington state on June 13, 2026, during a routine training mission, sparking a wildfire in the surrounding woods. The pilot safely ejected and was recovered by local authorities. The aircraft, assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, was operating on a low-level training route when it went down. The cause of the crash is under investigation, with no additional details to be released until the investigation is complete. The incident was reported by AeroTime.

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