Air Force World

摘要

Matthew J. LaCourse, 58, an Air Force civilian pilot assigned to the 82nd Aerial Targets Squadron at Tyndall AFB, Fla., died in the crash of an F-16 he was flying over the Gulf of Mexico Nov. 6. The base lost contact with the F-16 around 9 a.m. on Nov. 6 and search and rescue crews immediately were dispatched to the aircraft's last known location. Rescue crews recovered his body in the Gulf. LaCourse, a 1978 Air Force Academy graduate, retired as a lieutenant colonel after more than 22 years of service. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family members of our fallen teammate as they struggle through this extremely difficult time," stated a base news release. The cause of the crash is not yet known, but an investigation is underway.