The pilot of a US Air Force F-15C fighter jet which crashed into the North Sea off Middlesbrough during a training flight has been found dead

The wreckage of the single-seater aircraft was found yesterday. The aircraft was from the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk. It was taking part in a four-jet formation drill off Flamborough Head before it crashed after 9.30am. The cause of the crash is still unknown.

“Tragic loss for the 48th Fighter Wing community”

Col Will Marshall of the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath said: “The pilot of the downed F-15C Eagle from the 48th Fighter Wing has been located, and confirmed deceased. We will not release the name of the pilot until after all next of kin notifications have been completed.”

“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 Squadro

HM Coastguard coordinated a rescue mission after reports were received of an aeroplane going down into the sea 74 nautical miles off Flamborough Head. The HM Coastguard helicopter from Humberside wassent along with Bridlington and Scarborough RNLI lifeboats.

Picture: @48FighterWing Twitter page

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