F-16 Aircraft Database

Special characteristics:

• Unit Markings: AFFTC

Painted in the white and red scheme.

The pilot, Major Aaron George and Lockheed photographer Judson Brohmer were killed. Incident occurred at 7:00 hours about 30 miles east of China Lake. The F-16 was flying a photo/safety chase position on a 2nd F-16 on a test mission to demonstrate reliability improvements on a MALD (Miniature Air Launch Decoy). Following the launch of the MALD, the MALD's engine failed. The MALD descended at a 20 degree angle until 8,996 feet where a drogue shoot deployed followed by a recovery parachute at 7,000 feet. It drifted into mountainous terrain. The mishap aircraft was collecting video coverage of the MALD's launch, recovery, and landing. In order to maintain optimum position for video taping the MALD, the pilot had to execute barrel roll maneuvers to avoid passing the MALD. As the MALD's drogue shoot deployed, the mishap pilot executed a 3rd barrel roll maneuver, to maintain position which placed him at a steep, inverted, high speed dive that he was unable to recover. The crash was caused by channelized attention on the MALD and loss of altitude awareness.