Air Force Identifies Pilot Killed In Crash In UK As 1st Lt. Kenneth ‘Kage’ Allen

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The U.S. Air Force on Tuesday identified the fighter jet pilot from Utah who died in a crash off the coast of England as 1st Lt. Kenneth “Kage” Allen.  

Allen, 27, was from northern Utah. 

“This is a tragic loss for the 48th Fighter Wing community, and our deepest condolences go out to the pilot’s family,” said Col. Will Marshall, 48th Fighter Wing commander.  

The F-15C Eagle fighter jet went down during what the Air Force called a routine training mission.  

The crash happened Monday after the jet took off from a Royal Air Force Base in England where the U.S. Fighter Wing is located.  

According to the BBC, the jet went down 84 miles off the coast. The British Coast Guard, as well as lifeboat crews from nearby towns, helped in the search.  

The search confirmed Allen died in the crash.  

He had been based with the 48th Fighter Wing at the Royal Air Force’s Lakenhealth Base since February. He was the assistant chief of weapons and tactics for the 493rd Fighter Squadron.  

Allen is survived by his wife and parents.  

His wife, Hannah wrote on social media that she “never knew a heart could shatter like this.” She went on to write that she will live the rest of her life as a tribute to her husband.  

The organization Follow the Flag said Allen will receive “a true hero’s welcome upon his return.”