A United States Air Force F-15D departed the runway during landing, coming to a stop in a Bureau of Reclamation irrigation canal.
The fighter jet, belonging to the 173rd Fighter Wing of the Oregon Air National Guard, was landing at Kingsley Field Air National Guard Base after a routine training mission. The F-15D, piloted by an instructor, had only one crew member on board.
Upon landing, the aircraft left the paved surface and stopped in a Bureau of Reclamation irrigation canal at the south side of the airbase runway.
The pilot successfully exited the aircraft and was transported to Sky Lakes Medical Center for evaluation, before being released with minor injuries.
“We are so grateful that our pilot was able to walk away from this mishap,” said Colonel Micah Lambert, 173rd Fighter Wing vice commander. “Our Team Kingsley responders acted quickly and with professionalism thanks to the extensive training and safety mindset of our team.”
The aircraft wreckage was secured with absorbent booms to avoid fuel or other substances leaking into the water. Water sampling was conducted by the wing to detect the presence of pollutants.
“We don’t believe the aircraft is leaking any petroleum products based on our initial assessment of the water in the canal,” Lambert said. “Minimizing the environmental impact is one of our main priorities.”
The USAF is collaborating with local authorities and federal agencies, including the Bureau of Reclamation, to safely remove the aircraft from the canal. An investigation into the mishap was opened.
The 173rd Fighter Wing is responsible for training combat pilots and support personnel on the F-15C and F-15D Eagle. It is slated to become the first F-15EX formal training unit in 2024.
