SRINAGAR: A United States Marine Corps pilot suffered minor injuries after an F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet crashed into a mountain in Washington state during a routine training exercise on Saturday, igniting a brush fire and prompting a major emergency response, according to multiple media reports.
According to reports, the aircraft crashed near Rimrock Lake at around midday local time. In a statement, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing described the incident as a “non-fatal aviation mishap” involving an F/A-18 Hornet assigned to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in California.
The Marine Corps said the fighter aircraft was undertaking a routine training flight when the crash occurred. The pilot ejected safely before impact and was subsequently located by local authorities. The Associated Press (AP) reported that the pilot sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.
According to the Naches Fire Department, the crash triggered a wildfire, leading to a response from local fire crews and the US Forest Service. A deputy from the Yakima County Sheriff’s Department made contact with the pilot shortly after the aircraft crashed in the mountainous area.
As reported by AP, emergency responders prioritised the protection of nearby properties, including cabins in the Bear Creek area, while firefighters worked to contain the blaze caused by the wreckage.
“Our units have completed structure protection near the Bear Creek cabins and have just cleared the scene,” the Naches Fire Department said in a statement. The department added that a water tender would remain in the area and return on Sunday to support mop-up operations.
The cause of the crash is under investigation. Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing said the inquiry could take several months to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident. According to AP, no other injuries were reported, while authorities continue to assess the effects of the crash and the resulting fire.
The F/A-18 Hornet is a multi-role combat aircraft operated by the US Marine Corps for both air-to-air and ground-attack missions.
