On August 12, 2025, a ride-along passenger aboard a McDonnell Douglas F-15D accidentally activated the ejection system while the jet was taxiing at Westfield Barnes Regional Airport (BAF).
The aircraft, operated by the 104th Fighter Wing at Barnes Air National Guard Base, experienced the incident during routine ground movement.
The ejection occurred at approximately 2:05 PM local time. The passenger was evaluated at a hospital as a precaution but sustained no serious injuries. Flight operations were temporarily halted for a 36-hour safety stand down while an official investigation began.
The video, posted on the unofficial Air Force amn/nco/snco Facebook page, shows the immediate aftermath of the unusual on-the-ground ejection, as an F-15 slowly rolls down the flight line, away from a plume of smoke that was left behind by the ejection.
The unfortunate airman who seconds before was its passenger, who the video’s caption identifies as a recruiting officer for the wing, can be seen next to the flight line, seemingly struggling to his feet. Smoke left over from the ejection also trails out of the F-15’s rear seat.
According to a report, the mishap prompted a 36-hour safety standdown of all flight operations. There were apparently no injuries caused by the unexpected ejection, although one service member was sent to the hospital for an evaluation.
