A backseat passenger in an F-15D Eagle from the Massachusetts Air National Guard’s 104th Fighter Wing was accidentally ejected while the jet was on the ground at Barnes Air National Guard Base on Tuesday.
The incident, first reported by The War Zone, reportedly took place around 2:05 p.m., shortly after the aircraft had landed. Video posted online shows the jet taxiing without its canopy, with smoke still rising from the ejection. A person in a flight suit and helmet is seen crawling near a parachute at the edge of the runway as the aircraft passes.
In an audio recording of the radio communications with air traffic control (ATC) that also surfaced online, the F-15 pilot, flying under the callsign “Rambo 01,” reported the backseater’s ejection and declared a ground emergency.
In response, ATC closed the runway, instructed the aircraft to vacate and stop, and coordinated with emergency services.
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
The Air Force amn/nco/snco Facebook page reported that the passenger was “apparently a recruiting officer from the 104FW at Barnes ANGB” on an incentive flight.
These flights are offered by the U.S. Air Force to recognize individuals, sometimes even civilians, who demonstrate exceptional performance. They serve both as a reward for dedication and as an opportunity to inspire future Airmen by providing firsthand experience of aviation and military service.
The 104th Fighter Wing has not yet issued a statement regarding the incident. The status of the passenger remains unclear, though reports indicate that he survived the ejection.
