It wasn't an earthquake, it was an F-22 crash!

[sarah]

We actually heard and felt this event this morning and thought it was an earthquake.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/...ZN9sAD9757L8O0

[Desert Jewel]

Ya it was the weirdest noise & feeling!!

[Old Fart]

From Aviation Week:

The U.S. Air Force has confirmed an F-22A Raptor crashed about 10 a.m. today around 35 miles northeast of Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., where it was based.

The condition of the pilot is unknown at this time, USAF says. A program source tells Aviation Week that the reason the pilot's fate is unknown is because the F-22 was separated from the chase plane at the time of the accident and the chase pilot did not see what happened.

The Raptor was on an unidentified test mission. So far it appears to have been a captive carry weapons test by the 412th Test Wing.

A USAF statement said a board of officers will investigate the accident. "As soon as additional details of the crash become available, they will be provided," the service said.

The Air Force currently has 134 F-22s in its inventory.

[Deamer]

They just announced on ABC7 that the pilot, 49 year old David Cooley (sp) has passed away. No other details available. RIP Sir.

[sarah]

Sorry to hear. Thanks for the update. RIP.

[Mitch]

Wow, sorry to hear about that. Another hero.

It's amazing that you could hear the crash from 40 miles away.

Mitch

[Deamer]

http://www.edwards.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123141481

95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

3/25/2009 - EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- An Air Force F-22A crash today claimed the life of a USAF veteran and Lockheed Martin test pilot.

David Cooley, 49, of Palmdale, Calif., died when the F-22A he was piloting crashed northeast of Edwards AFB. Cooley worked as a test pilot with Lockheed Martin, and was employed at the 411th Flight Test Squadron, 412th Test Wing, on Edwards AFB. Cooley joined Lockheed Martin in 2003 and was a 21-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He worked at the F-22 Combined Test Force, where a team of Lockheed Martin and Air Force pilots conduct F-22 aircraft testing.

"This is a very difficult day for Edwards and those who knew and respected Dave as a warrior, test pilot and friend," said Maj Gen David Eichhorn, Air Force Flight Test Center commander. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Dave and his family as we struggle through, and do all we can to support them."

At approximately 10 a.m. this morning Edwards received word that the F-22A had gone down 35 miles northeast of the base. First responders transported Cooley from the crash scene to Victor Valley Community Hospital in Victorville, where he was pronounced dead.

A board of officers is investigating the accident through an Accident Investigation Board, whose findings will be released to the public upon completion.

Base officials stress that the accident site is remote and may contain hazardous materials released from the crash, and ask that individuals refrain from entering the area until the full investigation has been completed, and debris removed from the scene.

[Max7]

Our condolences and prayers are with Dave Cooley, his family and friends.
The Britton family-

[Giffer]

its always sad to hear about a loss like that.

[GP4Play]

Rest in Peace and God Bless
Dennis