A US F-15 C Eagle fighter jet has crashed into the sea off the UK coast, with one pilot aboard, a RAF Lakenheath spokesperson has confirmed.
RAF Lakenheath a Tweet: “A @usairforce F-15C Eagle crashed at approximately 0940 today in the North Sea. The aircraft was from the 48th Fighter Wing, the aircraft was on a routine training mission with one pilot on board.”
The jet, which crashed at around 9.40am Monday, was part of the 48th fighter wing and was based out of the Royal Air Force (RAF) base at Lakenheath, in Suffolk, England, a RAF Lakenhealth spokesperson confirmed in a statement.
The jet was based out of RAF Lakenheath in the UK and had been flying as part of a routine training mission. The cause of the crash is unknown, said the spokesperson.
The status of the pilot is unknown and search and rescue efforts are currently under way.
A major operation is underway after the F-15 fighter jet came down near Flamborough Head in East Yorkshire, south of Scarborough.
A spokeswoman for HM Coastguard said: “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.”
