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Ride-Along Passenger Accidentally Ejects From F-15D During Taxi

An official inquiry will examine whether the jet’s zero-zero ACES II seat or cockpit procedures caused the uncommanded ejection.

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File photo of an F-15D Eagle of the 104th Fighter Wing. (Image credit: Massachusetts Air National Guard)
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Overview

  • Social media video shows the F-15D canopy separating, smoke from the rear cockpit, and a parachute on the ground as the aircraft taxied back after landing at Barnes ANGB.
  • Audio recordings capture the pilot declaring a ground emergency and runway shutdown after the backseater ejected unexpectedly.
  • The McDonnell Douglas ACES II ejection seat is rated for zero-zero conditions but ground ejections remain inherently risky.
  • The U.S. Air National Guard has not confirmed the passenger’s identity or disclosed their condition following the incident.
  • Investigators are expected to review technical, procedural, and human factors with a precedent in a 2019 Rafale B ground ejection case.