ACC releases F-16C accident report

  • Published
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. --  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 acc.pam@langley.af.mil.