Yesterday a USAF F-15 Eagle fighter crashed into the North Sea at approximately 09.40 (local time). The fighter belonging to the 493rd Fighter Squadron of the 48th Fighter Wing, based at RAF Lakenheath, UK, was on a training mission with other aircraft when the accident occurred. A rescue team was promptly sent to the scene, but there was no information about the pilot's condition for a long time.
The searches continued and the teams were able to locate the wreckage of the fighter, as well as the body of the pilot who died in the accident.
Below is the official announcement of the pilot's death:
The pilot of the downed F-15C Eagle from the 48th Fighter Wing has been located, and confirmed dead.
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.https://t.co/GwCWFwImaS
— RAF Lakenheath (@48FighterWing) June 15, 2020
The 493rd Fighter Squadron is the only squadron to operate F-15 Eagle fighters in Europe. In 2019 the 493rd won a championship where it was ranked as the best air superiority squadron of that year.
