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| Version 3 | Version 4 |
|---|---|
| US fighter pilot dies after crash | US fighter pilot dies after crash |
| (about 4 hours later) | |
| A US military pilot has died after an accident involving two F-15C fighter jets which were training in the Gulf of Mexico, the air force says. | A US military pilot has died after an accident involving two F-15C fighter jets which were training in the Gulf of Mexico, the air force says. |
| Both men were able to eject and were picked up during a rescue operation off the Florida panhandle, but one of the unnamed pilots later died. | Both men were able to eject and were picked up during a rescue operation off the Florida panhandle, but one of the unnamed pilots later died. |
| The surviving pilot is said to be in good condition. | The surviving pilot is said to be in good condition. |
| The planes are believed to have collided while practising basic manoeuvres on Wednesday afternoon. | The planes are believed to have collided while practising basic manoeuvres on Wednesday afternoon. |
| The weather was clear. | The weather was clear. |
| 'Great loss' | 'Great loss' |
| The Eglin air force base in Florida had suffered "a great loss", said Col Tom Harmer, commander of the 33rd Fighter Wing, 58th Fighter Squad, in a statement. | The Eglin air force base in Florida had suffered "a great loss", said Col Tom Harmer, commander of the 33rd Fighter Wing, 58th Fighter Squad, in a statement. |
| "My heart goes out to the family and friends of our fallen airman." | |
| Both pilots had substantial experience, Col Harmer said. | Both pilots had substantial experience, Col Harmer said. |
| The US temporarily grounded F-15C jets after one failed while training in Missouri last November. | The US temporarily grounded F-15C jets after one failed while training in Missouri last November. |
| Most were back in service by January, but others have been grounded indefinitely after defects were found. | Most were back in service by January, but others have been grounded indefinitely after defects were found. |