Second Pilot In Good Condition

ANN REALTIME UPDATE 02.08.08 2300 EST: Sadly, US Air Force officials have just disclosed one of the two pilots involved in the midair collision of two F-15C fighters over the Gulf of Mexico this afternoon has died of his injuries.

The second pilot is in good condition, according to The Associated Press. Both reportedly ejected after their aircraft collided for as-yet unknown reasons during a training exercise south of Tyndall AFB, in clear skies.

The names of both pilots have not been released.

Original Report

1845 EST: US Air Force search and rescue teams worked with US Coast Guard crews to locate two pilots missing in the Gulf of Mexico, after their F-15C Eagles collided during a training exercise Wednesday afternoon.

Officials say both pilots have been rescued, although their conditions are unknown at this time.

The accident occurred at around 1500 EST Wednesday, approximately 50 miles south of Tyndall AFB. The Associated Press reports the fighters (type shown above) were part of the 33rd Fighter Wing, based at Eglin Air Force Base near Valparaiso, FL.

Eglin AFB spokeswoman Lois Walsh said she was unable to comment on the extent of the pilots' injuries, if any.

A variety of Coast Guard aircraft and ships were deployed from Florida and neighboring states to assist in the search.

The accident occurred on what was described as a routine training mission.

FMI: www.eglin.af.mil/