Details remain very sketchy, but the BBC has gotten confirmation that an American F/A-18 Hornet has crashed about five miles northwest of RAF Lakenheath airbase in Suffolk.
There are uncorroborated reports that the aircraft was part of a six-ship tanker drag, with the aircraft returning to the U.S. from the Middle East. Other claims state that the pilot ejected, although no word has been mention regarding their condition (see update below).
We will update this page as the story unfolds.
Update @ 4:49 a.m. PST- Sadly, the pilot died during the incident.
Update @ 5:01 a.m. PST: It appears VMFA-232, the Red Devils, who are based out of MCAS Miramar, were at least one of the Marine Squadrons at RAF Lakenheath this weekend.
Update @ 6:37AM PST: Reports confirm that the aircraft involved in the crash did indeed belong to the Red Devils.
Update @3:13AM PST 10/22/15: I am incredibly saddened to say that the pilot who lost his life in the crash was Major Taj Sareen. I met Taj a few years ago at NAF El Centro and did some photo work with him while he and his student were there. We emailed after. This man loved flying and going fast. What a great guy. Our deepest condolences to his family, squadron mates and friends. Read more here.
Contact the author at Tyler@jalopnik.com.