Report blames pilots in crash of two Navy jets

Report blames pilots in crash of two Navy jets

(EXCERPT) By JACK DORSEY, The Virginian-Pilot © September 25, 2003

An accident investigation into the collision nearly a year ago of two
new F/A-18F Super Hornets, resulting in four deaths, faults both Navy
pilots for violating rules designed to keep the aircraft separated.

The mid-air collision on Oct. 18, 2002, approximately 70 miles west of
Big Sur, Calif., ``was the result of indecision and the failure to act
by the two pilots,'' concluded investigators.

Evidence does not show that any mechanical or other human factors were
involved, according to the report, which was obtained by The
Virginian-Pilot through the Freedom of Information Act.

Killed in the accident were Lt. Stephen ``Nick'' Benson, 26, a weapons
system officer, formerly from Virginia Beach; Lt. Ste...

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