--- title: "Check Out This F-15E Strike Eagle Spewing Sparks After Takeoff" description: "Spotters at RAF Lakenheath got an unexpected fireworks show from one of the resident Strike Eagles earlier today." date: "2021-07-13" modified: "2021-07-14" authors: - name: "Thomas Newdick" job_title: "Staff Writer" link: "https://www.twz.com/authors/thomas-newdick.md" url: "https://www.twz.com/41530/check-out-this-f-15e-strike-eagle-spewing-sparks-after-takeoff" categories: - "Air" - "Air Forces" - "F-15" - "Fighters" - "U.S. Air Force" tags: - "492nd Fighter Squadron" - "Boeing" - "F-15E Strike Eagle" - "F100 engine" - "Must Read Features" - "US Air Force" --- # Check Out This F-15E Strike Eagle Spewing Sparks After Takeoff ![]() *www.twz.com* Aviation photographer Matt Smart today captured an eye-catching sequence of shots of a U.S. Air Force [F-15E Strike Eagle]() suffering a dramatic incident on takeoff from its base at [RAF Lakenheath]() in England. Most surprisingly, perhaps, it seems the aircrew were not necessarily even aware of what had happened, initially at least, and continued their sortie. Online flight tracking data available from [ADS-B Exchange](), seen further below, shows the jet taking off at approximately 9:02 AM local time before heading out over the North Sea coast and not returning to the airfield until around 10:56 AM. ![message-editor%2F1626211949476-lakenheath\_f-15\_long\_sparks\_trail.jpg]() **Matt Smart** “From what I heard the pilot reported no issues with handling etcetera and stayed out for a while; we were expecting him to return to base, but he didn’t,” Matt told *The War Zone*. “I understand that someone also phoned the base about it to make them aware.” ![message-editor%2F1626213592903-screenshot2021-07-13at11.04.30pm.png]() **ADSBexchange.com** Unconfirmed reports suggest that the trail of sparks emitted from the F-15E’s right-side Pratt & Whitney [F100 turbofan]() was caused by a broken nozzle petal and actuator. https://twitter.com/_/status/1414947099616202768 In normal operation, the actuator controls the nozzle petals, increasing the diameter of the exhaust when the afterburner is engaged, and the thrust output increases dramatically. ![message-editor%2F1626212154011-7tuzulwr.jpg]() *In this image can see what appears to be damage to some of the 'turkey feathers' that make up the F-15E's right-side exhaust nozzle., *Matt Smart** Whatever the case, it seems there was no immediate cause for alarm from the crew of F-15E, serial number 91-0302, which is assigned to the [492nd Fighter Squadron](), the “Madhatters,” part of Lakenheath’s hard-worked [48th Fighter Wing](). The parent wing also includes the [493rd Fighter Squadron](), “Grim Reapers,” flying the [F-15C/D](), and the 494th Fighter Squadron, “Panthers,” also equipped with the F-15E. Before long, the base will host the Air Force’s first [overseas-based F-35A unit](), the 495th Fighter Squadron, “Valkyries.” While the incident on departure from Lakenheath certainly looked alarming, it’s well known that the F-15E is a tough jet and this one seems to have been able to continue its sortie before returning safely to base. How long the aircrew was oblivious to what was happening at the opposite end of their jet as they climbed out is not clear. Now, however, whatever damage was done will no doubt be left in the capable hands of the base’s maintenance group. ***Video of previous F-15E operations by the 492nd Fighter Squadron out of Lakenheath:*** https://youtube.com/embed/uMyiOrYAH40 *We have reached out to RAF Lakenheath for more information and will update this story with any new details we receive.* *Thanks to Matt Smart for sharing his photos with us. You can follow Matt on Twitter, and see some of his other shots,* [*here*]()*.* *Contact the author: thomas@thedrive.com* ## Author Thomas Newdick is a staff writer at *TWZ*, where he covers military aviation, defense technology, weapons systems, and international security. Based in Berlin, Germany, he reports on conflicts, military modernization efforts, and emerging aerospace technologies around the world, with a particular interest in airpower and its role in contemporary warfare. His reporting is informed by deep expertise in modern and historical airpower, particularly in Europe, with a focus on military aviation, air campaigns, and aerospace developments across the continent and beyond. Over a journalism career spanning more than 25 years, Thomas has become known for making complex defense and aerospace topics accessible to a broad audience. His reporting combines technical expertise, historical context, and a focus on the real-world operational and strategic implications of military developments. ### Author social links [Twitter]()