Virginia Plane Crash: Missing Pilot Found Dead After F-15C Fighter Jet Crash

By Eric Chen Aug 29, 2014 09:31 EDT

The pilot of an Air National Guard F-15C fighter jet that crashed in Virginia was found dead, authorities said Thursday.

Col. James Keefe, 104^th Fighter Wing commander, told reporters that searchers, more than 100 local, state and federal officials as well as volunteers, didn't get into the remote crash site until Thursday afternoon. There were fires and other hazards from Wednesday's crash.

"This is a devastating day for the family of our deceased pilot and the members of the 104^th Fighter Wing," said Keefe, according to CNN. He said his "thoughts and prayers are with the family" of the dead pilot, the AP reported.

Keefe said he expects officials will release the name of the pilot on Friday. He said he met with the immediate family before Thursday night's news conference.

Keefe said the investigation will take several weeks, but the pilot was unable to eject from the plane.

The single-seat aircraft went down Wednesday morning in a dense forest area of Virginia-West Virginia border. The experienced pilot was on a routine maintenance flight to New Orleans for a radar system upgrade and there were no missiles on board.

Prior to losing contact and the crash, the pilot reported an in-flight emergency at 30,000 to 40,000 feet, Keefe said at a Wednesday press conference in Westfield, Mass., home of the fighter wing unit.

There were no reports of injuries on the ground, said Corinne Geller, spokeswoman for Virginia State Police.

Most Popular

Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.
‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.
Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.
Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.
Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.