F/A-18 Pilot's Fate Unknown

For the first time in a war that's lasted more than two weeks, Iraqi air defense forces shot down an American warplane, according to the Pentagon. A US Navy F/A-18 Hornet was reportedly lost over Iraq after it was hit by a surface-to-air missile Wednesday, military officials said.

A statement from U.S. Central Command said the plane went down at 3:45 p.m. EST, shortly before midnight Iraq time on Wednesday. The Pentagon said it was the first plane shot down during the war against Iraq. The Iraqis also shot down a US army helicopter Wednesday and have downed several pilotless surveillance drones.

What About The Pilot?

"While the coalition does not discuss the details of ongoing recovery operations, we are committed to accounting for all coalition personnel," said a statement from US Central Command's headquarters in Doha, Qatar. The release headed "Hornet single-seat aircraft down in Iraq", that an investigation was continuing and the pilot's name would not yet be released. 

U.S. television networks said the fighter-bomber, based on an aircraft carrier, had been shot down over southern Iraq by a surface-to-air missile

FMI: www.centcom.mil