Tyndall officials identify pilot recovered in F-16 incident Published Nov. 7, 2014 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla -- Tyndall officials have identified the F-16 pilot involved in a Nov. 6 aircraft incident as Matthew J. LaCourse, age 58, of Panama City Beach. "I can attest that he was an exceptional pilot and leader," said Col. Alexus Grynkewich, 53rd Wing commander. "His dedication to the mission of the 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group, and his caring and compassion for the Airmen who accomplish it--uniformed, civilian and contractor--was more than evident. He's been part of the 53rd Wing family for a the better part of two decades, and his departure leaves us without a great Airmen and fighter pilot." The aircraft, assigned to the 53rd WEG, was performing a routine training mission over the Gulf of Mexico when the base lost contact with the pilot at approximately 9:15 a.m. Nov. 6. Aircraft and rescue forces were immediately dispatched to the missing jet's last known location. The U.S. Coast Guard, supported by Tyndall AFB officials, conducted search and rescue efforts. LaCourse was a Department of the Air Force civilian pilot assigned to the 82nd Aerial Targets Squadron of the 53rd WEG. A native of San Antonio, Texas, LaCourse graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1978, and retired as an lieutenant colonel in 2000 with more than 22 years' service in the Air Force. Recovery operations continue to collect evidence to assist qualified officers assembled to conduct Safety and Accident investigations into the cause of this crash. There will be no further details released about this incident until these investigations are completed. The 53rd WEG is a geographically separated unit of the 53rd Wing headquartered at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.