What was meant to be a memorable and rewarding experience for one service member at Barnes Air National Guard Base in Massachusetts quickly turned into an unusual mishap when a passenger was ejected from an F-15D Eagle while it was still on the runway.

The incident, which occurred on Tuesday afternoon, has drawn widespread attention because of its rarity and the surprising nature of what happened.

A video posted Wednesday on the unofficial Air Force amn/nco/snco Facebook page captured the immediate aftermath of the event. In the footage, the F-15 can be seen slowly rolling down the flight line, leaving behind a plume of smoke where the ejection had taken place.

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The passenger, identified in the caption as a recruiting officer for the 104th Fighter Wing, appears near the flight line, seemingly struggling to his feet as smoke trails from the fighter’s rear seat.

According to *The War Zone*, the 104th Fighter Wing confirmed that the “ground mishap occurred Tuesday afternoon and prompted a 36-hour safety standdown of all flight operations, which has now ended.”

The safety pause gave leadership and investigators time to evaluate what had gone wrong and ensure the continued safety of airmen and equipment.

Although the incident was startling, the 104th stated that there were “apparently no injuries caused by the unexpected ejection,” though one service member was transported to a hospital for evaluation.

The precautionary medical check underscored the seriousness with which the Air National Guard treated the accident, even if the outcome appeared relatively minor compared to what could have happened.

The unit also confirmed that “the incident is now being investigated.” Because ejections involve explosive charges and delicate safety systems, determining whether the mishap was the result of human error, a mechanical malfunction, or an unforeseen chain of events will likely take time.

The flight on Tuesday was reportedly an incentive ride, which is a long-standing tradition across the Air Force. Such flights are typically offered “as a reward for service members who excelled at their job.”

The idea is to recognize outstanding contributions by giving select airmen the chance to experience firsthand what it is like to fly in some of the world’s most advanced fighter aircraft.

For many, an incentive ride in an F-15 or other fighter jet is the highlight of their military service. At the same time, the rides are carefully controlled and usually safe.

Tuesday’s ejection highlights just how rare accidents of this nature are.

On-the-ground ejections almost never happen, but history shows they are not impossible. In 2019, for example, a civilian passenger flying with the French Air Force was ejected from a Rafale B fighter jet during takeoff. That incident resulted in back injuries but, fortunately, not life-threatening harm.

Similarly, in December 2022, an F-35B pilot testing a new jet was forced to eject at ground level after the aircraft’s engine failed in dramatic fashion. Video of that event showed the fighter hovering near the ground before bouncing, tipping forward, and spinning. The pilot ejected just as the aircraft made violent contact with the runway.

The resulting investigation revealed an engine vibration problem that caused a months-long halt in new F-35 deliveries while Pratt & Whitney worked to correct the issue.

When compared to these past events, Tuesday’s mishap at the 104th Fighter Wing stands out primarily because it happened under far less stressful conditions. The F-15 was still on the flight line and had not even begun takeoff when the ejection occurred.

Despite the seriousness of the event, the mishap quickly became fodder for humor and memes across social media. On the amn/nco/snco Facebook page, airmen and veterans shared jokes and comparisons to pop culture moments. One widely circulated video was captioned, “The Simpsons predicted the future once again.”

In the clip, the character Milhouse is seen sitting in the cockpit of an F-15 at an air show. He angrily pretends to strafe targets and stabs at the jet’s controls before pressing the wrong button, which sends his ejection seat flying skyward.

These tongue-in-cheek comparisons demonstrate how the military community often uses humor to cope with the risks inherent in flying and operating advanced aircraft. While the laughter spread online, the Air National Guard focused on ensuring the safe return to operations and preventing any similar events from happening in the future.

The investigation will likely provide important lessons for aircrew, maintainers, and leadership alike. Because ejection seats are critical safety systems designed to save lives in the most dire circumstances, an accidental activation on the ground is particularly concerning.

At the same time, the fact that the passenger walked away with only minor injuries demonstrates that the system functioned as intended when called upon, even if unintentionally.

In the end, Tuesday’s mishap underscores both the unpredictability of aviation and the resilience of the men and women who serve. While the incentive flight did not go as planned, it has already become a memorable story within the Air Force community.

It also serves as a reminder of how quickly routine operations can become extraordinary, and how essential safety and investigation procedures are in preventing future mishaps.

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