The pilot of the US Air Force F15C fighter aircraft that crashed off the North East coast has been found dead, RAF Lakenheath said.
The single-seater aircraft, from the 48th Fighter Wing based at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, crashed at around 9.40am on Monday while on a routine training exercise.
A search and rescue operation was launched by HM Coastguard on Monday morning after it had received reports that an aircraft went into the sea 74 miles off the coast of Flamborough Head in Yorkshire.
A Coastguard helicopter and Bridlington and Scarborough RNLI lifeboats were sent to the area, and a Mayday broadcast, alerting other vessels nearby was also sent.
The name of the pilot who died will not be released until his family have been informed, RAF Lakenheath said.
“This is a tragic loss for the 48th Fighter Wing community, and our deepest condolences go out to the pilot’s family and the 493rd Fighter Squadron,” a spokesman said.
In a statement issued before the pilot's body was recovered, the 48th Fighter Wing said: "At the time of the accident, the aircraft was on a routine training mission with one pilot on board.
"The cause of the crash are unknown at this time, and UK Search and Rescue have been called to support."
The area where the plane came down is used by UK and US military jets for training missions, and it is being reported there may have been four military jets in the air at the time of the incident.
