WESTFIELD, Mass. – A passenger in a two-seat F-15 Eagle fighter jet experienced an accidental, full ejection sequence while the aircraft was on the runway. The incident, described as a “ground mishap,” occurred around 2:05 p.m. on August 12, 2025, at Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield, Massachusetts. The F-15D aircraft, part of the 104th Fighter Wing, was reportedly taxiing back after an incentive flight when the unexpected ejection took place. Fortunately, the passenger, who was in the rear seat typically occupied by a weapon systems officer, was unharmed. The ejection seat functioned as designed, safely deploying the passenger at zero airspeed and zero altitude, a maneuver known as a “zero-zero ejection.”
The F-15 Eagle, first introduced in 1974, is a highly regarded U.S. fighter jet with an impressive combat record, including 104 aerial dogfighting kills and no combat losses. While most associate the F-15 with pilots, variants like the F-15D and F-15E have a second seat, making ride-alongs possible for select individuals. These experiences are typically routine, but this incident highlights the inherent risks, even on the ground.
Military jet ejection seats were originally designed for high-altitude emergencies. They rapidly propel the occupant and seat away from the aircraft, followed by a parachute deployment. The development of zero-zero ejection seats in the 1960s added a crucial safety layer for ground-level emergencies. Modern aircraft, such as the F-35, also feature this advanced capability.
Video and ATC from yesterday. The backseater of RAMBO 01 (F-15D 104th FW Massachusetts ANG) accidentally ejected while taxiing back after a alleged incentive flight at Westfield-Barnes Airport, MA
The backseater survived and the runway was shut down. You can see the cockpit… pic.twitter.com/9ZIAV9ENPl
— Thenewarea51 (@thenewarea51) August 14, 2025
Following the incident, flight operations at the base were temporarily suspended for a 36-hour safety standdown. Normal operations have since resumed. The unexpected ejection, while dramatic, demonstrated the effectiveness of the F-15D’s ejection seat system in a low-altitude scenario.
