Tyndall AFB pilot found, recovered

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TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) --  Tyndall officials reported Nov. 7 that the remains of the F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot involved in a tragic accident Nov. 6 have been recovered from the Gulf of Mexico.

The name of the aviator is being withheld until 24 hours after notification of the next of kin allowing the immediate family time to notify extended family members of the accident.

The aircraft, assigned to the 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group, was performing a routine training mission over the Gulf of Mexico when the base lost contact with the pilot at approximately 9:15 a.m, Nov. 6. Aircraft and rescue forces from the U.S. Coast Guard and Tyndall AFB were immediately dispatched to the missing jet's last known location following the loss of communication with the Tyndall-based F-16.

Base efforts will now shift from that of a rescue mission to a recovery operation as evidence is collected to help in determining the cause of the crash. A board of qualified officers has been assembled to conduct this investigation and further information will be released after the investigation is complete.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family members of our fallen teammate as they struggle through this extremely difficult time.

(Information courtesy of the 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs)