Air Force Jet Down Over Atlantic
F-15C Eagle
Just in, a US Air Force F-15C Eagle has been reported lost over the North Sea. The cause unknown at this time, as is the pilot’s location and condition. The aircraft was on a routine training mission when the incident occured.
Mick sends.
US Air Force F-15C aircraft crashes into North Sea, condition of pilot unknown
By David Aaro
A US Air Force F-15C Eagle crashed into the North Sea off the coast of England during a routine training exercise on Monday morning.
The cause of the crash and condition of the pilot are currently unknown at this time. The U.K. Search and Rescue have been called in to support the downed aircraft and are taking part in the search of the crash site, according to a statement from 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs.
The F-15C was part of the 48th Fighter Wing based at Royal Air Force Lakenheath in the U.K, located 70 miles northeast of London.
Hoping for a swift and safe rescue of the downed pilot. Thanks, Mick.
Category: Air Force, Guest Link, Search and Rescue, Training Incidents
Saw this a little earlier on a news feed. Prayer was offered up for the finding of the Pilot and the safety of the crews searching for him. An example of why training can sometimes be as dangerous as the real thing. First rule of piloting. Number of successful landings must equal the number of successful takeoffs.
Oh, man. Survival in those cold waters will not be easy. Hope for the best….
With the amount of time that has passed and the temperature of those waters, I fear that the pilot’s fate is almost certain barring a miracle.
Prayers up for a good rescue and everyone safe.
Prayers
Hope the pilot is okay. The North Sea is inhospitable at the best of times.
UPDATE: Sadly, the pilot didn’t survive.
‘North Sea US jet crash: Pilot’s body found’
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-suffolk-53051055
‘[…]
A spokeswoman for the force at RAF Lakenheath said: “The pilot of the downed F-15C Eagle from the 48th Fighter Wing has been located, and confirmed deceased.
“The name of the pilot will not be released until all next of kin notifications have been made.
“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.”
[…].’
Damn.
Double damn.
I feared so. Triple that.
I hate hearing things like that, Condolences to his Family, Friends, Buddies and Comrades.
God dammit. This has not been a good year for the Air Force.
RIP, Zoomie. Off you go into the wild blue yonder to your eternal reward. Save a seat for me in Valhalla.
More sad news. Two highly experienced Naval aviators traveling in a single engine Piper were killed when their plane crashed.
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/06/12/head-of-naval-aviation-schools-command-another-navy-pilot-killed-plane-crash.html
UPDATE:
‘North Sea US jet crash: Pilot named as Kenneth Allen’
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-suffolk-53063549
‘The pilot of a US Air Force fighter jet which crashed into the North Sea has been named as 1st Lt Kenneth Allen.
Lt Allen was flying an F-15C Eagle, from the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, when it crashed off the East Yorkshire coast on Monday while on a training mission.
He had been stationed at the base since February and is survived by his wife and parents, the US Air Force said.
[…].’
I haven’t been able to find any additional open source reporting yet regarding the possible cause of the crash, or if 1stLt Allen attempted to eject prior to the aircraft impacting the water.