FED: RAAF F 111 missing = 3

AAP General News (Australia)
04-19-1999
FED: RAAF F 111 missing = 3

The swing-wing fighter-bomber was one of four RAAF planes taking part in an Integrated Air
Defence Systems training operation with defence forces from Australia, Britain, Malaysia and
Singapore.

"At around 1030 AEST (yesterday) the lead aircraft of a two-ship formation disappeared in
the vicinity of a small island peak in the South China Sea off the east-coast of the Malay
Peninsula," the statement said.

The aircraft had been involved in a maritime strike mission at the time.

The nearest available ship, an Australian navy vessel, began an immediate search.

Defence Force Public Affairs spokesman Phil Smith said an accident investigation team was
to leave Australia today.

AAP geb/bwl

KEYWORD: F111 3 BRISBANE

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