F-15 Crash In Southwest Asia Kills Pilot, Francis Imlay, Injuers Another

An F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet crashed on Wednesday near a military base in Southwest Asia, killing one pilot.

Capt. Francis Piston Imlay was flying the fighter jet on Wednesday, when at approximately 9:06 a.m. MST, he apparently lost control of his fighter jet. He died as a result of his injuries, according to a press release by Mountain Home Air Force Base.

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 in a statement. 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.

Implay was a native of Vacaville, Calif. He was assigned to the 391st Fighter Squadron, known as the Bold Tigers.

Another crew member in the crash was treated for minor injuries, but his name has not been released.

Over 300 airmen are from the 366th Fighter Wing in Mountain Home are deployed on missions supporting Operation Enduring Freedom by providing air support to soldiers on the ground.

The crash is under investigation and military officials have released view details regarding the incident.