Air Force: Noble Eagle Mission Indirectly Contributed To January F-16 Crash

By Adam J. Hebert / June 17, 2002 at 5:00 AM
The Air Force has determined the pilot of a New Jersey Air National Guard F-16 that crashed in January made several mistakes resulting in "spatial disorientation" before he safely ejected from his aircraft -- a sequence of events deemed more likely because the pilot only flew twice in the previous 60 days because he was busy with Operation Noble Eagle requirements. The New Jersey Guard has primary responsibility for flying combat air patrols (CAPs) and maintaining air sovereignty over the...

Not a subscriber? Sign up for 30 days free access to exclusive, behind-the-scenes reporting on defense policy and procurement.

Log in to access this content.