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.
On Jan. 4, a dozen U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors departed Puerto Rico, where they had landed following their participation in Operation Absolute Resolve. Those fighters appeared to have flown directly from their home base at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., to participate in the operation and returned there two days…
