Aviation News – A US Marine Corps F/A-18D Hornet crashed into a hillside near Rimrock Lake, Washington, after the pilot safely ejected from the aircraft. The jet was destroyed in the impact, and the crash triggered a wildfire that firefighters are continuing to battle.
The aircraft, a McDonnell Douglas F/A-18D Hornet bearing serial number 165412 and coded WS-415, was operated by 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW), Marine Aircraft Group 11 (MAG-11), and Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323 (VMFA-323). Flying under the callsign “Snake 21,” the aircraft went down in rugged terrain near Rimrock Lake, an area known for its dense forests and difficult access.
The twin-seat F/A-18D Hornet is a multirole combat aircraft used for air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. The type remains an important asset for the US Marine Corps despite the gradual transition to newer platforms such as the F-35 Lightning II. The crash highlights both the operational risks associated with military aviation and the potential environmental impact when accidents occur in remote areas.
