Pilot's body is found after US Air Force F-15C fighter jet crashed in the North Sea 74 miles off the Yorkshire coast

The pilot of the US Air Force F15C fighter aircraft that crashed off the north-east coast of England has been found dead. 

The USAF jet, from the 48th Fighter Wing based at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, crashed at around 9.40am on Monday while on a routine training exercise.

In a statement this evening, RAF Lakenheath said the pilot had been found and 'confirmed deceased'. 

The cause of the crash is not known. Fears had been growing for the pilot after rescue crews found a wreckage in the North Sea.  

The plane had been taking part in a four-jet formation off Flamborough Head, near Bridlington, East Yorkshire, before it crashed.

A huge search and rescue mission was launched for the single-seater jet, and recovery efforts were today underway to drag the aircraft out of the water.

The name of the pilot will not be released until his family have been informed, RAF Lakenheath said.

'This is a tragic loss for the 48th Fighter Wing community, and our deepest condolences go out to the pilot's family and the 493rd Fighter Squadron,' a spokesman said.

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The aircraft had been taking part in a formation drill off Flamborough Head and a rescue mission had been launched for the pilot. Pictured: An F-15 coming into land at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk today

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In a video statement, Colonel Will Marshall, Commander of the 48th Fighter Wing based at RAF Lakenheath, had said the cause of the crash was 'unknown'.

He said: 'Search-and-rescue efforts are currently under way, but the pilot of the aircraft is still missing.

'We will provide updates as they become available while prioritising respect and consideration for the pilot's family.' He said they were hopeful the pilot will be found.

A statement from RAF Lakenheath added: 'At the time of the accident, the aircraft was on a routine training mission with one pilot on board.

'The cause of the crash as well as the status of the pilot are unknown at this time and UK Search and Rescue have been called to support.' 

Two RNLI lifeboats and a helicopter were heading to the crash site - 74 nautical miles off the coast - as three US Boeing KC-135 Stratotankers circled above. 

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Earlier today RAF Lakenheath shared pictures of three warplanes with the caption: 'Ready to take on Monday like… #weareliberty.

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HM Coastguard said in a statement: 'HM Coastguard is coordinating the response after reports were received of an aeroplane going down into the sea 74 nautical miles off Flamborough Head.

'The HM Coastguard helicopter from Humberside has been sent along with Bridlington and Scarborough RNLI lifeboats.

'Following a Mayday broadcast by HM Coastguard, other vessels nearby are heading to the area. It's believed the aircraft had one person on board.'

Flying was suspended at RAF Lakenheath following news of the crash.

Fire engines were seen on the runway at the base at midday as they waited for the other planes to return from the mission.

One of the planes was later seen landing, reportedly with a cracked canopy.

Earlier today RAF Lakenheath shared pictures of three warplanes with the caption: 'Ready to take on Monday like… #weareliberty.'

The F-15C Eagle, a single-seater air defence fighter, is a model of jet that has been used by the US Air Force since 1979.

RAF spokesman Martin Tinworth said the aircraft has an 'exceptional flight safety record'.

RAF Lakenheath is the 'largest US Air Force-operated base in England and the only US air forces in Europe F15 fighter wing', its website said.

The 48th Fighter Wing, which has operated from the base since 1960, has more than 4,500 'active-duty military members'.

Its mission statement is to 'provide worldwide responsive combat air power and support'.

In October 2014, an F15D fighter jet based at RAF Lakenheath crashed in fields near Spalding in Lincolnshire.

The pilot ejected safely, suffering only minor injuries, and no-one on the ground was hurt.

A US Air Force investigation found that the crash was caused by the 'angle of attack' of the aircraft and 'imperfections' in the assembly of the jet's nose cap.

In October 2015, US pilot Major Taj Sareen died when his F-18 Hornet jet crashed on farmland near RAF Lakenheath.

A subsequent investigation found the 34-year-old did not report problems with his aircraft before take-off.