The United States Air Force has announced the death of the pilot of an F-15C Eagle military combat jet.

The F-15 he was flying was one of a pair taking part in a training exercise. According to a military statement, the aircraft collided over the Gulf of Mexico, approximately 50 miles from Florida’s Eglin Air Force Base.

The incident occurred at around 2.00 pm on the 20^th February, and both Eagles belonged to the 33^rd Fighter Wing.

Weather conditions at the time are said to have been clear.

Following the collision, both pilots ejected – a subsequent rescue mission resulting in their recovery. However, while one is understood to be in good condition, the other did not make it.

Information on the pilots’ identities is not yet known.

The 33rd Fighter Wing’s commander, Colonel Todd Harmer, stated: "The 33rd FW Nomads and Team Eglin have suffered a great loss today and my heart goes out to the family and friends of our fallen airman."

He added: "We will continue to do everything we can to assist our families and airmen at this tragic time."

Grounding Lifted on  (almost) All USAF F-15s

The USAF’s fleet of F-15s had recently been almost entirely returned to flight, after a crash in November that effectively grounded all type flights bar those deemed essential.

About 450 F-15 A- through to D- models were grounded, but, after the most recent inspections, all but nine are now back in the air.

Source – Armed Forces International’s Aviation Expert

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