Crews are expected to work through the night as the search continues for a pilot still presumed to have ejected from an F-15C Air Force jet that crashed in Deerfield Wednesday morning.
The crash was reported at 9:05 a.m., moments after Washington Center Air Traffic Control in Leesburg lost radio contact with an F-15C aircraft stationed at the 104th Fighter Wing, based out of Westfield, Mass.
The single-seat F-15C aircraft was en route to Naval Air Station New Orleans to receive a radar system upgrade. The flight was not related to the 104th Fighter Wing’s homeland defense mission, and there were no munitions on the aircraft during this flight, according to information from the Barnes Air National Guard Base.
The pilot was flying a solo mission when he reported an in-flight emergency prior to the loss of radio contact with Washington Center.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the pilot and his family, regardless of outcome, this is a traumatic event and we remain vigilant as the search and recovery effort is underway,” said Col. James Keefe, 104th Fighter Wing Commander.
A rescue mission is being conducted by the Virginia Army National Guard, Virginia Air National Guard, local fire and police agencies, Virginia State Police and federal agencies.
The vicinity of the crash site is densely wooded and mountainous, which presents communication challenges for rescue assets deployed to the area. An investigation is ongoing.
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Chris Graham
