Missing pilot in F-16 crash identified, search on-going

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, SC (WIS) - Officials at Shaw Air Force Base have revealed the name of a missing pilots after two F-16 collided 40 miles off of Folly Beach.

Authorities say Capt. Nicholas Giglio collided with another Shaw F-16 in mid-air over the Atlantic Ocean around 8:30pm Thursday.

Air Force officials said the fighters were assigned to the 20th Fighter Wing. The aircraft were participating in night training maneuvers, officials said.

The aircraft carried one person each. One F-16 was able to land safely at Charleston AFB, and the pilot, identified as Capt. Lee Bryant, is being examined by Air Force medical personnel.

Search crews in a C-130 airplane and a cutter have been unable to spot either the missing plane or its pilot so far. The Coast Guard says rainy weather isn't helping.

Earlier this week, Shaw Air Force Base announced that pilots would be conducting nighttime exercises to allow pilots to fly with night vision equipment and practice tactics critical to surviving in combat.