According to multiple publications, a United States Air Force F-15 operating out of Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan has crashed. The report, generated by the Associated Press, also indicates the pilot ejected and survived the incident:

A U.S. Air Force F-15 fighter crashed off the southern Japan island of Okinawa early Tuesday after the aircraft developed problems in flight. The pilot ejected and was recovered safely.

The Wikipedia entry for Kadena reveals the base has been open since 1945, and is the home of the USAF’s largest combat wing, and there are two squadrons responsible for the F-15C Eagles used by this particular wing branch. For those who haven’t seen the F-15 in action in either video or an air show, here’s an idea of just how impressive these machines really are.

Also, keep in mind you’re watching an aircraft that, as of 2008, has a 104-0 air-to-air combat record, which is much better than your favorite sports team: