Wreckage of US fighter jet that crashed in North Sea located as search for pilot continues

Ellena Cruse15 June 2020

The wreckage of a US Air Force fighter jet that crashed off the north-east coast of England has been located by the coastguard and recovery efforts are underway.

The pilot of the F15C fighter aircraft is still missing after the crash, which took place on Monday morning at about 9.40am during a routine training exercise.

Colonel Will Marshall, commander of the 48th Fighter Wing, said he remains “hopeful that our Liberty Wing airman will be located and recovered”.

The cause of the crash is not yet known.

In a tweet, RAF Lakenheath said: "Search efforts by Her Majesty's Coastguard have located wreckage from the downed F-15C Eagle and recovery efforts are underway.

"The pilot is still missing, and search and rescue efforts continue.

A sign pointing to RAF Lakenheath, home of the US Air Force's 48th Fighter Wing
AFP via Getty Images

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

A search-and-rescue operation is continuing, with a Coastguard helicopter and Bridlington and Scarborough RNLI lifeboats sent to the area.

An F15 fighter jet flying though the sky
Getty Images

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

Col Marshall said: “We will provide updates as they become available while prioritising respect and consideration for the pilot’s family.

“We’re extremely grateful for the timely response of our UK counterparts in support of these recovery efforts and remain hopeful that our Liberty Wing airman will be located and recovered.”

Entrance to RAF Lakenheath
AFP via Getty Images

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”, according to its website

The 48th Fighter Wing, which has operated from the base since 1960, has more than 4,500 “active-duty military members” and aims to “provide worldwide responsive combat air power and support”.

In October 2014, an F15D fighter jet based at RAF Lakenheath crashed in fields near Spalding in Lincolnshire.

The pilot ejected safely, suffering only minor injuries, and no-one on the ground was hurt.

A US Air Force investigation found that the crash was caused by the “angle of attack” of the aircraft and “imperfections” in the assembly of the jet’s nose cap.

In October 2015, US pilot Major Taj Sareen died when his F-18 Hornet jet crashed on farmland near RAF Lakenheath.

A subsequent investigation found the 34-year-old did not report problems with his aircraft before take-off.

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