September 17, 1997 (by Lieven Dewitte) -
Two unarmed F-16 Fighting Falcons collided about 60 miles southeast of Atlantic City at 7:55 p.m. (EDT) Sept. 16 during a night recertification training flight.
The two-seat F-16D crashed into the Atlantic. Both pilots ejected safely and were picked up by the U.S. Coast Guard. They have been treated and released from local hospitals.
The single-seat F-16C returned safely to base despite extensive damage.
The aircraft are assigned to the 177th Fighter Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard. They are based in Pomona, N.J., adjacent to the Atlantic City International Airport.
A board of officers will be appointed to investigate the accident.
