One Pilot Rescued, One Still Missing after U.S. Fighter Jet Shot Down Over Iran, officials say

Friday, April 03, 2026

A search was underway Friday after a two-seat F-15 fighter jet was shot down over Iran.

Posted by americanunity at 12:22 PM | 72 COMMENTS | permalink

Iranian state media posted pictures of what it says is wreckage of a U.S. fighter jet it shot down over central Iran. [image or embed]
" Forbes (@forbes.com) Apr 3, 2026 at 10:15 AM

Comments

A search was underway Friday after a two-seat F-15 fighter jet went down over Iran, according to two U.S. officials.

The rescue mission, which includes special operations personnel recovery teams, follows hours of reporting by Iranian state media of a downed U.S. fighter jet. Iran's media published photos alongside claims from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps that it had shot down the aircraft.

The fate of those inside the jet was not immediately clear. But one official in Iran's southwest issued a public plea for locals to find them and promised a reward, according to official and semiofficial Iranian news organizations.

www.nbcnews.com

#1 | Posted by AMERICANUNITY at 2026-04-03 12:23 PM

It's a race between us and the Iranians to find the missing pilot.

More in-depth info here:

www.axios.com

#2 | Posted by AMERICANUNITY at 2026-04-03 12:27 PM

Loser John McCain got shot down and captured.

Trump likes the ones who don't get captured.

#3 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-04-03 12:43 PM

One wonders (or I do), if Trump received video of a pilot being tortured, how would he react?

Revulsion?

Or, "Hey, I could have someone do that for me!"

#4 | Posted by Dbt2 at 2026-04-03 12:50 PM

So glad we've won this war 5 times now.

So much winning!

#5 | Posted by donnerboy at 2026-04-03 12:54 PM

Apparently, we don't "own the skies" over Iran as Trump and Hegseth have proclaimed.

#6 | Posted by AMERICANUNITY at 2026-04-03 01:51 PM

Another U.S. warplane, an A-10 Warthog attack plane, also crashed in the region at about the same time, and the pilot was safely rescued, two U.S. officials said. They did not say what caused it to go down. The plane crashed near the Strait of Hormuz, the officials said, but they did not specify in which country.

#7 | Posted by AMERICANUNITY at 2026-04-03 03:57 PM

We were told we had complete control of the skies. Superiority maybe. But not complete control. Obviously.

Is it true that we have never lost an F15 in combat before?

If it is true how will Trumpy ever Trumpsplain this one away?

#8 | Posted by donnerboy at 2026-04-03 04:36 PM

The plane crashed near the Strait of Hormuz, the officials said, but they did not specify in which country.

#7 | POSTED BY AMERICANUNITY

The first casualty in any war is the Truth.

It may takes us years (3?) to get any of that.

#9 | Posted by donnerboy at 2026-04-03 04:38 PM

I know, everywar my damned toe gets stepped on. Every single war!

#10 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-04-03 04:43 PM

Is it true that we have never lost an F15 in combat before?

It was just an ejection seat test.

#11 | Posted by REDIAL at 2026-04-03 04:54 PM

Operation AIPAC Fury

Barring Trumpf junta interference, the US midterm elections are scheduled for Tuesday 3 Nov 2026.

#12 | Posted by C0RI0LANUS at 2026-04-03 05:05 PM

Reporting now they also shot down an A-10.

#13 | Posted by REDIAL at 2026-04-03 06:25 PM

Maybe two A-10s.

Not a good day.

#14 | Posted by horstngraben at 2026-04-03 06:35 PM

Xi is shipping missiles to Iran as quickly as he can make them, and has been their supplier for years.

Another of Donald's good friends, you know, like Putin.

#15 | Posted by Corky at 2026-04-03 07:08 PM

@#8 ... we have never lost an F15 in combat before ...

5 Fighter Jets That Have Never Been Shot Down In Aerial Combat (July 2025)
www.slashgear.com

... The McDonnell-Douglas F-15 Eagle

Of all the fighter jets that haven't been shot down in air-to-air combat, the McDonnell-Douglas F-15 Eagle and its many variants have the most impressive record. As of this writing, no F-15s have been lost in aerial combat, but they've managed to down an impressive 104 enemy aircraft. Part of the reason the F-15 has been so successful is its widespread use by numerous nations' militaries. Of course, it's more than sheer numbers that have made the F-15 the beast of the skies, as it's incredibly agile, fast, and capable of dogfighting even more advanced planes. ...

#16 | Posted by LampLighter at 2026-04-03 07:51 PM

Polymarket is taking bets on whether the airman will be recovered. Donald Trump Jr is profiting on the lives of us soldiers.

#17 | Posted by johnny_hotsauce at 2026-04-03 09:57 PM

@#17 ... Polymarket is taking bets on whether the airman will be recovered. Donald Trump Jr is profiting on the lives of us soldiers. ...

Polymarket
en.wikipedia.org

... Polymarket has been banned by governments in multiple jurisdictions, such as France.[6]

The platform was initially blocked in the United States amid regulatory scrutiny.

The second Donald Trump administration eased the regulatory environment for Polymarket.[6][7] At the same time, Polymarket added Donald Trump Jr. as an advisor, after his firm 1789 Capital invested in Polymarket.[6][7] ...

#18 | Posted by LampLighter at 2026-04-03 10:20 PM

Trump and Hegseth's lies about the destruction of Iranian military capabilities is getting American military killed.

#19 | Posted by johnny_hotsauce at 2026-04-04 12:31 AM

Like they give a ----.

#20 | Posted by LegallyYourDead at 2026-04-04 12:35 AM

Where's that cowardly FAGAT Ballwasher? ------- gutless -----.

#21 | Posted by LegallyYourDead at 2026-04-04 12:36 AM

@#19 ... Trump and Hegseth's lies about the destruction of Iranian military capabilities is getting American military killed. ...

Looking at this issue, one of my first questions is along the lines of...

Are those advising Pres Trump so afraid of telling him the truth about his Iran War that Pres Trump (and subsequently) Sec Def Hegseth do not have a real view of what is occurring in Iran?

#22 | Posted by LampLighter at 2026-04-04 01:42 AM

I hope I am wrong but I fear that pilot is already dead. Either the plane ejection killed him or the Iranian military killed him. Let us never forget that Trump's elective war is killing America's finest.

#23 | Posted by moder8 at 2026-04-04 03:20 PM

Reporting now they also shot down an A-10.

#13 | Posted by REDIAL

That's been debunked, it was a clogged lint trap caught fire

#24 | Posted by john_savage2 at 2026-04-04 03:26 PM

the Iranian military killed him

Not unless they felt like they had to.

He's more valuable as a hostage.

#25 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-04-04 03:28 PM

it was a clogged lint trap caught fire
#24 | POSTED BY JOHN_SAVAGE2

Best military on earth.

#26 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-04-04 03:29 PM

Not after this

#27 | Posted by LegallyYourDead at 2026-04-04 03:37 PM

Why would the IRGC or MOIS kill a captured US pilot?

They will want to interrogate him about our jets.

The pilot, who underwent SERE training, will hold out as long as possible.

And Tehran will show the world that they abide by the Geneva Conventions, unlike Israel and the US.

#28 | Posted by C0RI0LANUS at 2026-04-04 04:22 PM

"Why would the IRGC or MOIS kill a captured US pilot?"

They don't, of course, but they probably want to spread the word the pilot is to be kept alive. Civilians who've been getting hammered from the air have been known to lynch pilots who fall into their hands,

#29 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis at 2026-04-04 04:50 PM

"How did government of, by and for the people in a nation governed by We the People become a regime governed by, of and for every penny ante whack job with a broken child inside?"

I voted for that. - boaz

#30 | Posted by A_Friend at 2026-04-04 05:23 PM

To be clear this is more glue in the escalation trap.

This is further cause for Piggy to not back out of the war, because of the troops!

The inevitable escalation ladder of these kinds of war.

Like losing planes and men to rescue a single airman.

The essence of the theme of Saving Private Ryan.

Meanwhile, in the past 24 hours or so Piggy asked for a 48-hour ceasefire AND threatened to blow Iran to Hell in 48 hours.

Meanwhile, meanwhile, we have hit the Iranian nuclear facility 4 times. Just begging for a Chernobyl like event.

Do these idiots not realize that will spread beyond the borders of Iran?

Thanks magat scum

#31 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-04-04 05:39 PM

Many Iranian military leaders terminated' in massive' Tehran strike: Trump
In his latest Truth Social post, Trump has shared a video of night explosions in Iran's capital, accompanied by this text:

"Many of Iran's Military Leaders, who have led them poorly and unwisely, are terminated, along with much else, with this massive strike in Tehran!"

Yet Piggy expects Iran to negotiate with him

Reminder in the fall of 1980 Saddam Hussein invaded Iran (following the Islamic revolution) expecting little resistance due to widespread chaos.

He caused a lot of damage in the first weeks and then called for Iran to ceasefire.

Iran refused

Despite all of the damage, despite all of the disorder, despite their lack of prospects for resistance

They refused

Welcome to the new reality

Thanks magat scum

#32 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-04-04 05:42 PM

We're bombing Iranian psychiatric hospitals.

#33 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-04-04 05:51 PM

Gotta help the protesters!

Gotta help the Uprising!

Go Protests Go!

We Got Yer Back!!!

#34 | Posted by Effeteposer at 2026-04-04 08:21 PM

Tomorrow? The next day?

Widespread war crimes as we attack Iran's energy infrastructure

Iran is going to respond?

I'd say likely.

Gulf states oil industry? We ------

#35 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-04-04 08:26 PM

We're bombing Iranian psychiatric hospitals.

Is that step up or down from a school full of school girls?

#36 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-04-04 09:28 PM

They're freeing the Protesters for Revolution.

#37 | Posted by Effeteposer at 2026-04-04 09:49 PM

#38 | Posted by Effeteposer at 2026-04-04 09:50 PM

We're bombing Iranian psychiatric hospitals.

Is that step up or down from a school full of school girls?

#36 | POSTED BY CLOWNSHACK AT 2026-04-04 09:28 PM | FLAG:

It keeps the crazies In check. And we don't have to pay for pseudoscience treatments.

#39 | Posted by lfthndthrds at 2026-04-04 10:02 PM

Italy is now refusing refueling at their airports due to a lack of jet fuel, UK started that earlier this week.

#40 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-04-04 10:02 PM

Planet Labs announces blackout on war on Iran images
The satellite imaging company has said it will indefinitely withhold visuals of Iran and the region of conflict in the Middle East to comply with a request from the Trump administration.

Piggy instituting censorship

#41 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-04-04 10:03 PM

Iow the war is going so bad that piggy won't allow images of the damage to be public

And they are lying about casualties

#42 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-04-04 10:05 PM

Iran targeted Kuwaiti power and water plants

So umm the really bad stuff is well under way

#43 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-04-04 10:08 PM

And we don't have to pay for pseudoscience treatments.

#39 | Posted by lfthndthrds

Like Ivermectin for COVID?

#44 | Posted by jpw at 2026-04-05 12:59 AM

Iran can and will wait us out.

Time favors the defender " always has. Especially when they're fighting for their survival in the name of Allah.

#45 | Posted by AMERICANUNITY at 2026-04-05 01:08 AM

Missing U.S. crew member from downed fighter jet rescued in Iran, Trump says

Updated on: April 5, 2026 / 1:45 AM EDT / CBS News

A U.S. crew member who went missing when an F-15E fighter jet was shot down over a remote area of Iran was rescued by U.S. forces early Sunday morning local time, multiple U.S. officials told CBS News. The jet's pilot was rescued Friday.

www.cbsnews.com

#46 | Posted by AMERICANUNITY at 2026-04-05 02:09 AM

Heavy *siiiiiigghhhh*... this is sooooo sad... incredibly sad...

I first came to this forum almost two decades ago when we were debating another war for oil... only they didn't admit it was about oil... then...

We were/are under the leadership of some rich dudes son... who has "uh ivee leeg bizness deegree" that they both earned via the best academic "Cs"... their daddy's money could buy. True story.

Men who wangled their way out of serving in Vietnam.

Lots of rightytighty chest-thumping... invoking the name of Jayzus... and justus... promises of a glorious future... almost the entire time... until we finally surrendered in stalemate and defeat... twice...

The difference is the Bushturds inserted the USA into the OPEC dramatics... before it was OPEC.... waaaaayyyyyyyyyback in the 1930's... so he was born thick in the soup... because they are oil barons.

Trumpanzee has spent his entire life polishing the turds of people like the Bushturds... with all those luxury resorts... and it's all he knows... polish the turds of the powerful... dress that pig up... and call it "The Art of the Deal".

#47 | Posted by RightisTrite at 2026-04-05 02:32 AM

Apparently, we don't "own the skies" over Iran as Trump and Hegseth have proclaimed.
#6 | POSTED BY AMERICANUNITY

I saw this and I am kinda stunned at Americans hatred for America that they lose all objective truth ...

Why didn't Iran fly out to where they knew the pilot was?

Why were they searching for him on foot?

#48 | Posted by oneironaut at 2026-04-05 08:38 AM

Objective truth? Are you s******g me. The objective truth is the Buffoon said he has air superiority over Iran. Then an F15 and an A10 are downed and two helicopters hit by Iran air defense. So what's the objective truth, what you see or what it says?

Oh, and what's flying out to where "the pilot was" gonna do? Nothing. Why search on foot? That's where the person is, dummy. A ground operation is what extracted this person.

I'm thrilled this soldier was rescued. Do I believe the soaring rhetoric of the Buffoon administration about it, nope. I'll wait for the future anonymous reports of the persons actually involved.

#49 | Posted by et_al at 2026-04-05 09:21 AM

#48
Actually, you know next to nothing about how this went down, let alone the - uh - "objective truth."

#50 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis at 2026-04-05 10:04 AM

How sad for the Drudge Left. The other airman was reported to have been rescued. Keep rooting for Iran, you are the enemy of the American people.

#51 | Posted by visitor_ at 2026-04-05 11:29 AM

Keep rooting for Iran, you are the enemy of the American people.
#51 | Posted by visitor_

Oh so you did vote for War with Iran.

#52 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-04-05 11:31 AM

#51 Flag:

#53 | Posted by A_Friend at 2026-04-05 11:32 AM

What is really sad is that a supposed Marine consistently roots for Iran to capture and kill Americans.

#54 | Posted by visitor_ at 2026-04-05 11:41 AM

What is really sad is that a supposed Marine consistently roots for Iran to capture and kill Americans.
#54 | Posted by visitor_

I see no problem with Iran capturing and killing the Americans who killed 165 Iranian schoolgirls.

Maybe you'd like to explain why you think it's a good thing that we're bombing Iranian schools?

Or is explaining how you think a bridge too far for you.

#55 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-04-05 11:49 AM

#55 see #53

#56 | Posted by visitor_ at 2026-04-05 12:06 PM

Not at all a straw man.

You believe the men who killed those girls should go unpunished.

You don't think they did anything wrong.

#57 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-04-05 12:09 PM

The military is a job... nothing more... nothing less... sometimes it's dangerous... so are a lot of other jobs.

#58 | Posted by RightisTrite at 2026-04-05 12:11 PM

How sad for the Drudge Left. The other airman was reported to have been rescued. Keep rooting for Iran, you are the enemy of the American people.

#51 | Posted by visitor_ at 2026-04-05 11:29 AM | Reply | Flag:GFY

That fighter pilot was attacking their nation as part of an unprovoked act of war on our part.
Iran has a right to shoot it down...
war is stupid... play stupid games win stupid prizes. Were they not supposed to shoot them down? What... no parades welcoming their salvation???!!!

Frankly... I think republicl0wns are desperate for an excuse to invade... without declaring it an invasion... like they did with Vietnam...

#59 | Posted by RightisTrite at 2026-04-05 12:55 PM

Visiturd is still pounding his concave chest over the slaughter of 175 Iranian schoolgirls.

#60 | Posted by reinheitsgebot at 2026-04-05 12:58 PM

You praise Allah for all the deaths and maiming in Iraq from Iranian IEDs.

#61 | Posted by visitor_ at 2026-04-05 01:08 PM

"The other airman was reported to have been rescued."

It's an awesome story. Probably will be a Hollywood movie someday like Black Hawk Down.

The military ( and specifically the "PJs") will have an epic starring role as the heroes of the story.

Trumps role will be the evil villain like Lex Luthor.

Gratz. You helped build that.

#62 | Posted by donnerboy at 2026-04-05 01:08 PM