Mountain Home Pilot Killed in F-15E Crash

At 9:06 a.m. MST March 28, 2012, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle crashed approximately 15 miles outside of a base in Southwest Asia, killing the pilot.

Capt. Francis "Piston" Imlay, pilot deployed with the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, died from injuries received during the crash.

"It is with a heavy heart I inform you we lost a valued member of the Gunfighter family yesterday," said Col. Ron Buckley, 366th Fighter Wing commander. "Today we mourn the loss of one of our warriors, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and coworkers during this time. He was a true professional and his dedication to the Gunfighter family will not soon be forgotten."

mlay, a native of Vacaville, Calif., was assigned to the 391st Fighter Squadron "Bold Tigers" and played a vital role in supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

More than 300 Mountain Home AFB Airmen remain deployed in support F-15E overseas contingency missions designed to deliver combat air power for joint operations and to meet ground commander requirements.

The cause of this incident is still under investigation.


Source: Air Force News|by Senior Airman Alyssa C. Wallace - March 30, 2012

Photo: Capt. Francis Imlay, 391st Fighter Squadron pilot, does a pre-flight inspection on an F-15E Strike Eagle at Mountain Home Air Base in August 2011. (credit: U.S. Air Force/Airman 1st Class Heather Hayward)

(30.03.2012)