Chris Scott wrote,
From the two photos published by the Telegraph, have to opine that the main wreckage area is very concentrated, and the main part of the fuselage and centre-section, at least, look to have been substantially intact after impact - prior to the fire. Could this have been a forced landing, or an attempt at one?
You will be surprised how much wreckage remains after a crash from height. These two Yugoslav MiG-29s were shot down by USAF F-15s over Bosnia in 1999. The audio of the engagement was recorded by radio enthusiasts with the height recorded around 20,000 feet. The Pilot of this aircraft recounted that he ejected immediately after being hit by an AMRAAM.
Video and account of the rescue of the two crew of the F-15E.
US jet crashes in Libya: airman would not have known if he approached friend or foe - Telegraph
After ejection there is also the possibility that the aircraft can continue to fly. The following link details how an F-106 pilot ejected at 15,000 feet during a spin. The aircraft made a landing on its belly, was recovered and put back into service.
F-106 Delta Dart - 58-0787 Pilotless Landing
TJ