A US military aircraft crashed in a fiery explosion in front of shocked spectators near Rimrock Lake, a popular recreational spot. The crash led to thick black smoke rising above the surrounding forest, with witnesses observing the pilot ejecting from the aircraft just moments before impact.
Naches Fire reported the incident and dispatched crews to the scene of the downed military plane near the lake. The crash ignited a wildfire that is currently being contained by helicopters and Forest Service personnel from Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
A statement from Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing described the crash as a non-fatal incident occurring during routine training. The aircraft involved was an F/A-18 Hornet based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in California.
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