By Helicopter from Humberside Airport in major search following crash
A coastguard helicopter from Humberside Airport is part of a major search operation today following an incident where a US Air Force fighter jet crashed in the North Sea.
The F-15C Eagle aircraft based with the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk crashed during a routine training mission this morning.
A major search operation headed by Humber Coastguard crews is now underway.
They are being supported by RNLI lifeboats from Bridlington and Scarborough.
Only the pilot was on board when the aircraft crashed around 74 nautical miles off Flamborough Head, in East Yorkshire, at 9.40am.
The cause of the crash and the status of the pilot are both currently unknown.
A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokeswoman said:
“HM Coastguard is co-ordinating the response after reports were received of an aeroplane going down into the sea 74 nautical miles off Flamborough Head.
“The HM Coastguard helicopter from Humberside has been sent, along with Bridlington and Scarborough RNLI lifeboats.
“Following a Mayday broadcast by HM Coastguard, other vessels nearby are heading to the area.
“It’s believed the aircraft had one person on board.
“We have no further information at this time.”
A statement from the 48th Fighter Wing said:
“A U.S. 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.”
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