Lakenheath Crash Update: F-15C Wreckage Found, Pilot Still Missing

Editor’s Note: Read an important update to this story here.

Wreckage from an F-15C that crashed into the North Sea during a routine training mission early on June 15 has been recovered, but the search for the aircraft’s pilot—the only person aboard—continues, the 48th Fighter Wing announced on Twitter.

UPDATE: 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.— RAF Lakenheath (@48FighterWing) June 15, 2020

According to reports received by the British coast guard, the aircraft went down about 85 miles off Flamborough Head, on the U.K.’s Yorkshire coast, local news outlet Hull Live reported.

The coast guard dispatched a helicopter and lifeboats to search for the pilot and issued a mayday announcement for additional maritime backup, the BBC reported.

“We’re extremely grateful for the timely response of our U.K. counterparts in support of these recovery efforts, and remain hopeful that our Liberty Wing Airman will be located and recovered,” 48th Fighter Wing Commander Col. Will Marshall said in a Facebook video update the same day.

"Search and Rescue effort are currently under way, but the pilot of the aircraft is still missing. We will provide…Posted by RAF Lakenheath on Monday, June 15, 2020

The wing will share updates as they emerge “while prioritizing respect and consideration for the pilot’s family,” he added.

Editor’s Note: This story was updated on June 15 at 12:14 p.m. EDT to include an update from the 48th Fighter Wing.