Marine F-18 pilot emerges bloodied yet composed after crash near Rimrock Lake

A Marine Corps F-18 Hornet crashed into a mountainside near Rimrock Lake in Washington state on June 13, creating flames and a thick black smoke column. Major Jackson Simon ejected from the aircraft, sustaining facial lacerations but remaining composed as he approached a Yakima County sheriff's deputy, phone in hand. He explained to officials that he was performing low-level training circles over the lake when something went wrong, and he later confirmed the aircraft type.

Witnesses reported the jet’s ejection and subsequent fire, and emergency services logged the event within minutes. The Marine Corps identified the jet as belonging to Marine Aircraft Group 11 of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, valued at roughly $67 million, and noted that an investigation is ongoing. The deputy assisted Simon in removing his gear and performed a buddy check for injuries.