Overdue F-22 Crashed, Wreckage Discovered; Search for Pilot Continues

Search and rescue aircraft have found the wreckage of an Air Force F-22 fighter jet based at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska.

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By KTVA CBS 11
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Story Created: Feb 14, 2011 at 10:01 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Feb 14, 2011 at 10:01 PM AKDT

 Original Article Posted Nov. 17, 2010

Search and rescue aircraft have found the wreckage of an Air Force F-22 fighter jet based at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska.

The aircraft lost contact with air traffic control around 7:40 Tuesday evening while out on a nighttime training mission.

JBER officials say the F-22 and another jet were joining together after a flying exercise when the signal was lost.

While the wreckage has been spotted, the exact location of the crash site has not yet been released; the Alaska Air National Guard Rescue Coordination Center dispatched a rescue team 100 miles north of Anchorage in search of the aircraft's pilot.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of this missing Airman, and we thank all Alaskans for their continued support and prayers during this trying time," said Col. Jack McMullen, 3rd Wing commander. "Finding the missing pilot is our top priority."

So far officials are uncertain of the events leading to the crash, but say the jet's signal "just disappeared."

The name of the pilot will not be released until condition is determined.

Two local Cantwell lodges say they have received calls from officials asking whether they have seen any flashes or heard anything; the lodges reported no unusual sights or sounds.

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