US News
Former TOPGUN pilot analyzes Marine Corps pilot's composure following F-18 ejection
A former military aviator explains how shock and intense training likely contributed to the pilot's remarkably calm response after a June crash.
The short version
- Marine Corps Maj. Jackson Simon survived ejecting from an F-18 Hornet that crashed into a forest near Rimrock Lake, Washington, on June 13, 2026.
- A sheriff's deputy's bodycam captured Simon walking away from the crash site with a bloodied face and appearing remarkably composed, telling the deputy he was "a little frazzled."
- Former Navy pilot Matthew Buckley explained that military training, adrenaline letdown, and shock can cause pilots to compartmentalize and remain calm after surviving highly violent ejections.
- The cause of the crash is currently being evaluated by military investigators.
Key facts
- On June 13, 2026, Marine Corps Maj. Jackson Simon ejected from an F-18 Hornet that crashed into a forest near Rimrock Lake in Washington state, starting a small wildfire.[Fox News]
- A bodycam video from a Yakima County sheriff’s deputy recorded Simon appearing calm and collected while stating he was "a little frazzled" shortly after emerging from the woods with a bloodied face.[Fox News]
- Former TOPGUN pilot Matthew Buckley stated that Simon's calm behavior likely stemmed from shock, adrenaline letdown, and military training that teaches pilots to compartmentalize high-pressure situations.[Fox News]
- According to Buckley, F-18 ejection forces average 10 to 20 G's, which can cause severe physical trauma, compressed spines, or broken limbs if the pilot is not positioned perfectly.[Fox News]
- Spectators on the ground reported seeing Simon's plane performing low-flying maneuvers and clipping power lines before crashing.[Fox News]
What remains uncertain
- The Marine Corps has not officially confirmed whether the F-18 struck power lines before crashing, stating only that the incident remains under investigation.[Fox News]