ACC releases F-16C accident report
http://www2.acc.af.mil/accnews/Aug04/0130.html
Air Combat Command Public Affairs
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (ACCNS) -- A pilot's momentary loss of
situational awareness during a tactical 180-degree left turn caused two
F-16C aircraft to collide May 17 about 40 miles southwest of Terre
Haute, Ind., according to a report Air Force officials released today.
The pilot of the lead aircraft was killed on impact. The pilot of the
second aircraft safely ejected and suffered minor injuries. Both were
assigned to the Indiana Air National Guard's 113th Fighter Squadron,
181st Fighter Wing in Terre Haute. The aircraft, with a combined value
of approximately $39.8 million, were destroyed.
The incident occurred during a four-ship training mission when the pilot
of the second aircraft lost situational awareness during a tactical turn
after performing a weapons check. During the weapons check he did not
notice the lead aircraft changing airspeed and altitude and mistook
aircraft three as the lead aircraft. That loss of situational awareness
caused the mishap, with the lead pilot changing his airspeed and
altitude during the turn substantially contributing to it.
For more information, contact the Air Combat Command Public Affairs
office at (757) 764-5007 or e-mail
[email protected].