The pilot ejected safely and was taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation and treatment of minor injuries.
No other injuries were reported.
However, the crash ignited a small wildfire on the south side of the lake, prompting a response from local firefighters and the U.S. Forest Service.
Columns of smoke rising as a result of an F-18 fighter jet crash in Washington state a short while ago.pic.twitter.com/ASVrJf9ZQd
— USAlert (@USAAlert_1)June 14, 2026
Another angle of the USMC F-18 that crashed near Rimrock Lake in Washington earlier today.
…and of course since it’s a TikTok video there’s odd music rolled in 🤨#F18#F18hornet#USMC#RimrockLake#washington#crashpic.twitter.com/ZAXmADqSR8
— Mrgunsngear (@Mrgunsngear)June 14, 2026
The incident occurred around noon local time in a remote, forested area of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, approximately 55 miles southeast of Seattle, near popular camping spots.
Initial reports described the blaze as “small,” ranging from about half an acre to approximately 2 acres.
Source: Cassandra MacDonald, Author at The Gateway Pundit
