Imagine being a passenger in a fighter jet and suddenly finding yourself airborne—without taking off! That's exactly what happened at the Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield, Massachusetts, when a backseat passenger in an F-15D Eagle accidentally ejected while the aircraft was still on the ground.

This jaw-dropping incident was captured on video, showcasing a dramatic scene unfolding as the F-15 was taxiing. Viewers can see a small puff of smoke emerging from the backseat of the jet, and as the aircraft continues to roll, the canopy is seen blown off and resting on the left wing. But the most shocking sight? The passenger, who appears to be crawling along the runway next to a parachute, momentarily stunned from this unexpected twist of fate.

The ejection occurred during what’s known as a zero-zero ejection, which refers to ejecting from the aircraft at sea level and at no speed—an incredibly rare and dangerous situation that adds to the perplexity of this incident. Despite its rarity, there have been a few documented cases of someone accidentally ejecting from military jets during a ride-along, though none quite like this.

According to reports from the Air Force amn/nco/snco Facebook page, the passenger was likely a recruiting officer from the 104th Fighter Wing. “Incentive flight ejected on the flight line before even taking off,” they stated, leaving many to wonder about the safety protocols that led to this unusual event. As of now, the identity of the rear seat occupant remains unconfirmed.

We’re still waiting for a comprehensive response from the 104th Fighter Wing regarding this incident, and as it develops, we’ll bring you all the latest details. Stay tuned!