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.