Here we go again . . . this from the Honolulu Advertiser:
The ditching of a Hawai'i Air National Guard F-15D fighter yesterday was at least the fifth crash nationwide for the Eagles since May and will result in even greater scrutiny for an aging aircraft that has been grounded several times in recent months.The fighter crashed yesterday in the ocean 60 miles south of O'ahu at about 1:37 p.m. after the pilot lost altitude and control, officials said.
"The pilot ejected. He's safe," said Capt. Jeff Hickman, a Hawai'i National Guard spokesman.Hickman said there were two of the twin-tail fighters doing routine "air-to-air" training.
Two Coast Guard cutters were on the scene of the crash, and the pilot was picked up by helicopter and taken to The Queen's Medical Center, where he was in good condition yesterday evening.The National Guard did not release the pilot's name or age, but said he was an experienced pilot.
Read the rest here.
(Photo: USCG helo rescues the Eagle pilot from the Pacific. Official USCG photo.)
(Gouge: NC)
-- Ward
