The more than 30 hours of exhaustive search and rescue operation launched on Wednesday to locate the missing pilot of the crashed F-15C "Eagle" fighter jet has come to a gloomy end. Investigators on late Thursday were finally able to conduct a preliminary investigation of the crash location. Their findings reveal that the sole pilot of the aircraft never managed to eject.

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In a late-night news conference held at the Deerfield Volunteer Fire-Rescue, approximately 150 searchers converged to conclude the two-day search and rescue operation for the fighter jet pilot. Prior to the search, the Air Force investigators reported that the crash site was still scorching from the accident. Hence, authorities decided to dispatch search teams to look for the reported missing pilot. The decision was spurred by what is now considered as an evidently false information regarding a witness seeing a parachute. The search teams were directed to rake through miles of rough terrain. Searches were conducted both on foot and by air. On Thursday, the crash site was deemed suitable for further investigation due to the subsiding heat emanating from the wreck.

"At that time they discovered evidence that our pilot did not eject from the aircraft. We have transitioned from a search and rescue effort to a recovery operation," Brig. Gen. Robert Brooks, Commander of the Massachusetts Air National Guard, said in the late-night conference. Joining the effort "to bring home our fallen airman", the general shared that more than 30 agencies cooperated and contributed in the search.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and we are doing all we can to support them during this very difficult time," Col. James Keefe, commander of the 104th Fighter Wing, stated in a release. "We ask that everyone respect the privacy of the family and allow them the time they need to grieve."

To date, the name of the pilot has not yet been released. In addition, officials have not provided further information detailing the crash and its possible causes. According to the Air National Guard authorities, the investigation of the incident may reach up to five weeks.  

TagsVirginia, F-15, crash, fighter jet, Eagle, Deerfield, Air Force, pilot, Robert Brooks, Massachusetts Air National Guard, James Keefe, 104th fighter wing, Air National Guard