Pilot Rescued After Aircraft Hit During Rescue Mission
A US Air Force A-10 was damaged during combat operations over Iran on April 3, 2026, with the pilot ejecting and being rescued. The incident occurred as American forces were conducting a search-and-rescue mission for the crew of an F-15E Strike Eagle shot down over Iran the same day. According to reports citing US officials, the A-10 was part of the rescue effort when it took fire and was damaged. The pilot ejected over the Persian Gulf and was successfully recovered. The incident was first reported by AeroTime.