Home / Disasters and Accidents / Military Jet Crashes Near Mt Rainier, Sparks Wildfire
Military Jet Crashes Near Mt Rainier, Sparks Wildfire
15 Jun
Summary
- An F/A-18 Hornet crashed near Mt Rainier, sparking a wildfire.
- The pilot ejected safely before the aircraft impacted Rimrock Lake.
- The resulting wildfire has reached 1.5 acres and is actively being fought.
A military F/A-18 Hornet aircraft crashed in Washington state on Saturday, sparking a wildfire near Rimrock Lake. The incident occurred within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, leading to immediate road closures and campground evacuations. Fortunately, the pilot successfully ejected from the aircraft before it impacted the mountainside, and no injuries were reported.
The F/A-18 Hornet was reportedly heard making a loud "popping sound" before its descent. As of Saturday evening, the resulting wildfire had expanded to 1.5 acres and was being actively fought by forest crews and helicopters. No containment estimate was available at that time.
Authorities have closed roads south of Rimrock Lake for public safety as firefighting efforts continue. Military officials have been notified and are deploying resources to the site. Investigations into the cause of the crash are underway, with further details expected as they become available.
