RAF Lakenheath jet crash: Wreckage found in North Sea

Wreckage has been found in the search for an RAF Lakenheath fighter jet which crashed into the North Sea earlier today.

The US Air Force F-15C Eagle, from the 48th Fighter Wing, RAF Lakenheath, crashed at about 9.40am today (June 15).

It went down 74 nautical miles off the East Yorkshire coast.

A spokesman for RAF Lakenheath said: "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.

"More information will be provided as it becomes available."

A Coastguard helicopter from Humberside and Bridlington and Scarborough RNLI lifeboats have been involved in the search.

The F15C, a single-seater air defence fighter, is a model of jet that has been used by the US Air Force since 1979.

RAF spokesman Martin Tinworth said the aircraft has an 'exceptional flight safety record'.

HM Coastguard said it received reports of a plane 'going down into the sea 74 nautical miles off Flamborough Head' on the Yorkshire coast.

“The HM Coastguard helicopter from Humberside has been sent along with Bridlington and Scarborough RNLI lifeboats,” a spokesman said.

The 48th Fighter Wing, which has operated from RAF Lakenheath since 1960, has more than 4,500 'active-duty military members'.