
“Two F-16C Falcon single seat aircraft, assigned to the 113th Wing, D.C. Air National Guard, were involved in a mid-air collision Aug. 1. The aircraft were on a routine night training mission off the coast of Chincoteague, Va., approximaley 70 miles southeast of Washington. The accident occurred over water at 10:28 p.m.
One pilot ejected from his aircraft safely and inflated his emergeny raft. He was recovered by members of the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City at 12:30 a.m. Aug. 2. The second pilot and aircraft was able to return to Joint Base Andrews without further incident.”
Image credit: U.S. Air Force
Following the above news of a midair collision, many readers of The Aviationist asked how this kind of incidents may happen.
There is always the risk of a midair collision when two (or more) aircraft fly close to each other. Even if some collisions in the past took place because of failures or during engaments, air-to-air combat maneuvering, many (more) have occurred as perfectly working aircraft were rejoining the formation.
That phase of the flight can be extremely dangerous, especially at night: the two pilots, flying in a tactical spread formation, have to tighten the formation. The lead aircraft is reached by the wingman, with the latter initially forced to keep a higher speed (otherwise it would not reach the leader) and then to suddenly reduce his speed to match the leading plane’s airspeed. A distraction can be fatal.
And don’t forget how close the aircraft fly from that moment until landing: once again, a sudden move, a distraction, hence a human error could cause the midair.
I was also able to witness the crash of an F-16 from the ANG 177th while it was attempting bombing and strafing maneuvers at Warren Grove bombing range one day.
I was having a cigarette break outside my job while watching the jets do their thing. I watched as I saw one jet, which I had a rear view of from about 6 miles away, flame out and drop behind the tree line. It didn’t come back up. I called Command immediately to report it.
http://southjersey.com/articles/?articleID=5152
He must be strictly punished if it’s due to personal fault. I think the pilots must focus on what he is doing in the plane. Government does not give him the plane to crash it. I am pissed off :) Anyway for some cool F-22 photos : F22-Raptor Pictures
CO2VA,
I applaud you for your post. Thank you.
I am happy to report that Col Dan is still selling shrimp from his boat on the Acquoocuan.He will tnd to his men militarilay, and at once.
Parade rest my friend.