June 17, 2002 (by Lieven Dewitte) -
A pilot's failure to accurately perform standard flight procedures while rejoining other aircraft caused an F-16C to crash near the Warren Grove Bombing Range, near Atlantic City, N.J., Jan. 10, Air Force officials announced today.
The pilot, Maj. Robert G. McNally of the 119th Fighter Squadron, 177th Fighter Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard, ejected from the aircraft and sustained minor injuries. The aircraft was destroyed upon hitting the ground.
According to the Air Combat Command Accident Investigation Board report, the pilot failed to accurately perform rejoin-and-overshoot procedures while rejoining the other two aircraft in his formation. In addition, he failed to ensure his life-support gear was tightly secured. The failures led to a negative-G condition, which induced incapacitating spatial disorientation - an incorrect perception of his position and motion relative to the ground. This disorientation limited his ability to regain controlled flight. He then ejected.
