US airman describes free-fall and 48-hour rescue after F-15E shot down in Iran

US airman recounts free-fall and prolonged rescue after plane downed over Iran

A US Air Force officer said he “free-fell” with a damaged parachute after a two-seat F-15E was struck by a shoulder-fired missile over Iran, and was rescued 48 hours later after evading forces on the ground, the aviator told CBS News’ 60 Minutes.

The aviator, identified as Bravo in the CBS segment, said he looked up at one point and saw no parachute, then focused on trying to pull pieces of the parachute free. He described his survival as “a miracle” and said he sustained a broken back, shoulder and arm. Bravo estimated his impact speed at between 70 and 100 mph (113 to 161 km/h).

The two-seat F-15E, valued at about $30 million, was reportedly struck by a shoulder-fired missile that CBS said costs roughly $100,000. The other aviator, identified as Alpha, declined to be interviewed.

Alpha was rescued within six hours in an operation that US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth described as involving intense fighting. Bravo was recovered after 48 hours behind enemy lines, during which he climbed to a ridgeline while fearing capture and avoiding Iranian forces.

Central Command Admiral Brad Cooper said more than 90 US service members operated on the ground in Iran during the rescue, marking the first such operations inside Iran in 46 years, according to the CBS report. Several US aircraft were left disabled in desert sand and subsequently destroyed to prevent technology capture; CBS said two destroyed aircraft were worth about $100 million each and that some “Little Bird” helicopters were also destroyed.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The account provides first-person details of the crew members’ ejection, injuries and rescue timeline as presented in the CBS 60 Minutes segment. Official statements cited in the coverage include remarks from the aviator identified as Bravo, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Central Command Admiral Brad Cooper. Reported material losses include the downing of a $30 million F-15E and the destruction of additional US aircraft to prevent capture, with a shoulder-fired missile cited as the weapon used.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Two US aviators ejected from an F-15E shot down over Iran; one spoke to CBS identifying himself as Bravo.
• Bravo said his parachute was damaged, he hit the ground at high speed, and suffered multiple fractures before a 48-hour evasion and rescue.
• Alpha was rescued within six hours amid intense fighting; US forces conducted ground operations inside Iran with over 90 service members involved, and several US aircraft were destroyed to prevent technology capture.