The incident follows the reported downing of an F-15E Strike Eagle over Iran, where one crew member remains missing. Unconfirmed reports suggest the crashed jet may be an A-10 Thunderbolt II near the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil chokepoint.
BY PC Bureau
A second U.S. Air Force combat aircraft crashed in the Persian Gulf region on Friday, with its lone pilot safely rescued, according to a report by The New York Times citing two unnamed U.S. officials.
The incident is the latest in a string of reported U.S. military aircraft losses amid rising tensions in the Middle East, linked to the broader conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Earlier the same day, an F-15E Strike Eagle was reportedly shot down over Iranian territory. One crew member was rescued, while search operations continue for the second.
Certainly the worst day for the US air force so far. So far we know at least 1 F-15E, 1 A-10, 1 MQ-9, & 1 HH-60W/G Blackhawk deployed for Search & rescue have been shot down in the last ~24 hours
Not including an F-16J & KC-135 that Squawked 7700 & were possibly hit pic.twitter.com/gxXBPUjgrA
— Iran Defense commentary (unofficial) (@IranDefense) April 3, 2026
The second aircraft—described as a single-seat combat jet—went down in or near the Persian Gulf, a strategically vital waterway also known as the Arabian Gulf. Its exact type has not been officially confirmed, though unverified reports circulating online have suggested it may have been an A-10 Thunderbolt II, commonly known as the “Warthog,” operating near the Strait of Hormuz.
No formal statement has been issued by the Pentagon, United States Central Command (CENTCOM), or the White House regarding either incident. As is typical during active military operations, the report relies on anonymous officials due to the sensitivity of operational details.
READ: Iran Puts $60,000 on Pilot after Downing US Fighter Jet
The pilot of the second aircraft was recovered swiftly, avoiding a prolonged search-and-rescue mission. This contrasts with the earlier F-15E crash, reportedly near western Iran or the Iran-Iraq border, where Iranian forces have claimed responsibility. U.S. rescue teams managed to retrieve one crew member, while efforts continue to locate the other. Iranian state media has also claimed downing U.S. aircraft and, in some instances, encouraged civilians to help locate missing personnel.
The incidents come amid intensified military activity across the region, including U.S. and allied strikes on Iranian targets, as well as earlier reports of aircraft losses and possible friendly-fire episodes. The Persian Gulf’s role as a critical artery for global oil shipments adds to the gravity of such घटनाएं, raising concerns over regional stability and maritime security.
The U.S. military has yet to confirm the causes of the crashes—whether due to hostile fire, mechanical failure, or other factors. Investigations are expected, with more details likely to emerge in the coming days.
