Inability to Discern Horizon Led to F-16 Loss

Inability to Discern Horizon Led to F-16 Loss: Pilot disorientation while executing a 90-degree maneuver during a nighttime training mission and the inability to recover caused an Air Force Reserve F-16C from Homestead ARB, Fla., to crash Jan. 15 over the Gulf of Mexico, Air Combat Command announced March 26, citing the findings of an accident investigation board. The pilot ejected and sustained minor injuries. The aircraft, assigned to the 482nd Fighter Wing, was destroyed on impact for a loss of $19 million, ACC said.