| Submit your comments on this article |
| Science & Technology |
| Alaska military base says F-22 fighter overdue |
| 2010-11-17 |
| ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- A spokeswoman for Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson says an F-22 fighter jet based at the military facility near Anchorage is overdue. Spokeswoman Corinna Jones said Tuesday night that the jet, with one pilot aboard, was on a training mission out of the base and lost contact with air traffic control at 7:40 p.m. Alaska time. She says a search is under way. Jones declined to identify the pilot, but says the aircraft is assigned to Elmendorf's 3rd Wing. Hate to have to say this, but there are a lot of tall mountains near Elmendorf. With no radio communications from the pilot indicating a problem, it's likely he flew into one. Sad. UPDATE:A search is under way northeast of Cantwell for an overdue Air Force F-22 Raptor fighter jet from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson that went missing Tuesday night. Searchers are focusing northeast of Cantwell, which was the last known location for the aircraft, according to the statement. The search is being coordinated by the Alaska Air National Guard Rescue Coordination Center, and involves HH-60 helicopters and an HC-130 plane. |
| Posted by:Steve |
| #3 According to Anchorage television station KTVA, the wreckage has been spotted, but the pilot has not been located yet by rescue teams. This report was filed a little after 1 PM today. |
| Posted by: Alaska Paul 2010-11-17 20:10 |
| #2 That area just northeast of Cantwell contains Windy Pass, where small planes go over the Alaska Range between Anchorage and Fairbanks at 3000 ft elevation. Mountains are very rugged and are about 7000 to 8000 ft high. If the F-22 ran into trouble and the pilot ejected, he would still be in trouble, as he could be coming down on a steep slope or a cliff. |
| Posted by: Alaska Paul 2010-11-17 18:10 |
| #1 ...The lack of contact does not bode well - it may have already gone into 'recovery operation' mode by now. O Spirit, whom the Father sent To spread abroad the firmament. Oh wind of heaven, by Thy might Save all who dare the eagle's flight. And keep them by thy watchful care From every peril in the air Mike |
| Posted by: Mike Kozlowski 2010-11-17 14:10 |