Search for missing pilot after US Air Force F-15 jet crashes into North Sea

A US Air Force F-15C fighter aircraft has crashed in the North Sea, with a search under way for the pilot.

The jet went down near Flamborough Head, East Yorkshire, at around 9.40am on Monday.

The pilot is missing but the US Air Force said it was "hopeful" of a successful rescue operation.

In a video statement, Colonel Will Marshall, Commander of the 48th Fighter Wing based at RAF Lakenheath, said the cause of the crash was “unknown”, adding: “Search-and-rescue efforts are currently under way, but the pilot of the aircraft is still missing.

“We will provide updates as they become available while prioritising respect and consideration for the pilot’s family.”

Confirming the crash, the US Air Force said in a statement: "A US 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.

"As soon as additional details become available, they will be provided."

HM Coastguard said in a statement that 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.

“Following a Mayday broadcast by HM Coastguard, other vessels nearby are heading to the area.”

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”.

Earlier, RAF Lakenheath tweeted a picture of three fighter jets which were understood to be on a training mission.