Pilot of US fighter jet that crashed off UK coast found dead

The pilot of the US Air Force F15C fighter aircraft that crashed off the north-east coast of England has been found dead.

In a tweet RAF Lakenheath confirmed that the search for the missing pilot had come to an end.

"The pilot of the downed F-15C Eagle from the 48th Fighter Wing has been located, and confirmed deceased," said RAF Lakenheath.

"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 jet went down near Flamborough Head, East Yorkshire, at around 9.40am on Monday.

RAF Lakenheath said the name of the pilot who died when his US Air Force F15C fighter aircraft crashed off the north-east coast of England will not be released until his family have been informed.

In a video statement, Colonel Will Marshall, Commander of the 48th Fighter Wing based at RAF Lakenheath, said the cause of the crash was “unknown”, adding: “Search-and-rescue efforts are currently under way, but the pilot of the aircraft is still missing.

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

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

Confirming the crash, the US Air Force said in a statement: "A US Air Force F-15C Eagle crashed at approximately 0940 today in the North Sea.

"The aircraft was from the 48th Fighter Wing, RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom.

"At the time of the accident, the aircraft was on a routine training mission with one pilot on board.

"The cause of the crash as well as the status of the pilot are unknown at this time, and UK search and rescue have been called to support.

"As soon as additional details become available, they will be provided."

Entrance to RAF Lakenheath
AFP via Getty Images

HM Coastguard said in a statement that it received reports of a plane “going down into the sea 74 nautical miles off Flamborough Head” on the Yorkshire coast.

“The HM Coastguard helicopter from Humberside has been sent along with Bridlington and Scarborough RNLI lifeboats,” a spokesman said.

“Following a Mayday broadcast by HM Coastguard, other vessels nearby are heading to the area.”

The F15C, a single-seater air defence fighter, is a model of jet that has been used by the US Air Force since 1979.

RAF spokesman Martin Tinworth said the aircraft has an “exceptional flight safety record”.

Earlier, RAF Lakenheath tweeted a picture of three fighter jets which were understood to be on a training mission.

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