AeroTime is reporting that on August 12, 2025, a ride-along passenger on an F-15D inadvertently activated the eject system while it was taxiing at Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield, Massachusetts. The incident involved a two-seat F-15 variant operated by the 104 Fighter Wing. Online footage shows the jet rolling along the taxiway as the canopy is expelled, with the rear-seat occupant visible crawling nearby under what seems to be a deployed parachute.
When speaking with AeroTime, the 104th Fighter Wing confirmed the incident occurred at roughly 14:05 on August 12, 2025. Although one service member was taken to a local hospital for precautionary evaluation, neither occupant was seriously injured, and flight operations were temporarily suspended with a 36-hour safety standdown. The incident is currently under official investigation.
Breakdown Of The Incident
Video footage on X shows the F-15D taxiing as a sudden burst occurs from the rear cockpit, followed by the canopy blowing off, classic signs of an ejection. The aircraft continued its movement even after the ejection, and the rear-seat occupant crawled away, a surreal moment that demonstrated how unexpected and rare such ground-level ejections are.
The aircraft involved is registered as 85-0134, a two-seater McDonnell Douglas F-15D assigned to the 104th Fighter Wing, also known as the “Barnestormers.” The 104th Fighter Wing is based at Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport in Massachusetts, where the incident took place. The Barnestormers are transitioning from the F-15 to the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II.
Emergency responders arrived quickly on the scene. When it was confirmed that no one was injured, the wing issued a 36-hour safety stand-down of all flight operations, which has since concluded. This was largely to evaluate procedures and determine the root cause of the incident. The names of the individuals involved have not been revealed and will be withheld until the investigation has concluded.
Understanding “Zero-Zero” Ejections
Modern fighter jets such as the F-15 Eagle feature ejection systems that are rated for what’s known as “zero-zero” conditions. In essence, F-15 pilots, along with those on other planes with this capability, can eject when the aircraft is stationary on the ground, generating no airspeed. The purpose of this capability is to help save lives during an emergency, but this also comes with risks.
Accidental activation of the ejection handle, even when the jet is taxiing at a slow pace, is dangerous and can result in severe injury. That this incident ended without harm to the occupant or pilot is a testament to the safety of modern ejection systems and a reminder of the dangers inherent in such systems.
|
Aircraft |
Variants |
Entry-Into-Service |
|---|---|---|
|
McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle |
F-15A, F-15B, F-15C, F-15D, F-15N, Strike Eagle |
1978 |
|
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II |
F-35A, F-35B, F-35C |
2015 |
Ground-level ejections remain exceedingly rare. Similar incidents include a 2019 case in France, where a Rafale B passenger inadvertently triggered the ejection handle during takeoff; an investigation cited procedural lapses and technical issues as the root causes. A normal ejection sequence would have also seen the pilot be ejected simultaneously on the Rafale B, but a mechanical issue prevented this from occurring.
Changes To Procedures And The Implications
Incentive or ride-along flights, like the one being discussed, usually require thorough preflight briefings, covering items like cockpit safety and where to find the eject handle. Passenger briefs tend to be highly standardized and detailed, making the risk of an accidental ejection minimal. This is part of why such incidents are so rare.
In tandem-seat aircraft like the F-15D, it’s standard that the rear seat comes with ejection, as amplifying quick escape under dangerous conditions may be vital. However, protocols exist to control who can eject and when, to prevent mishaps like this. This incident raises questions about how safeguards failed or were circumvented.
Moving forward, the 104th Fighter Wing’s investigation will likely revisit training protocols and cockpit configurations. As an accidental ejection on the ground can severely injure a person, numerous eyes will be on the investigation to observe its findings. Given the severity of ejection system mechanisms, even minor changes could improve safety, as safety is the ultimate goal in aviation
