Condolences paid to family over ‘tragic loss’ of US airman in crash

THE PILOT of a US fighter jet has been found dead after crashing into the North Sea off the Yorkshire coast.

The US Air Force F15C Eagle, from the 48th Fighter Wing, based at RAF Lakenheath, in Suffolk, crashed at around 9.40am yesterday while on a routine training exercise.

In a statement last night, RAF Lakenheath said the pilot had been found and “confirmed deceased”.

“This is a tragic loss for the 48th Fighter Wing community, and our deepest condolences go out to the pilot’s family and the 493rd Fighter Squadron,” the statement added.

RAF Lakenheath said the pilot’s name would not be released until all next of kin notifications had been made. RAF Lakenheath previously said search efforts by HM Coastguard had found the aircraft wreckage with recovery efforts under way.

HM Coastguard said yesterday morning that it had received reports that an aircraft went into the sea 74 miles off the coast of Flamborough Head, in Yorkshire.

A Coastguard helicopter and

Bridlington and Scarborough RNLI lifeboats were sent to the area.

The Coastguard also sent a Mayday broadcast, resulting in other vessels nearby heading there.

The F15C is a model of jet that has been used by the US Air Force since 1979.

RAF Lakenheath is the “largest US Air Force-operated base in England and the only US air forces in Europe F15 fighter wing”, its website said. The 48th Fighter Wing has operated from the base since 1960.