The Incident
A Navy F-14, cleared to descend from 9,000 ft to 5,000 ft on a south-easterly course, encountered a westbound Bellanca cruising in level flight at 8,500 ft. Visual flight rules (VFR) conditions prevailed at the time. As the two aircraft came within an estimated 100 to 300 ft of each other, the Navy pilot observed the Bellanca and executed an abrupt pull-up maneuver. The Bellanca passed beneath the F-14 and entered its wake turbulence.
Aircraft Damage
Following the encounter, the Bellanca landed without further incident. However, an inspection revealed that the rear main wooden spar of its right wing had been broken. The F-14 also landed without incident, and no damage to that aircraft was reported.
Air Traffic Control
At the time of the incident, the F-14 was under radar control by a trainee air traffic controller who was under direct supervision. The supervising controller had observed a potential traffic conflict and directed the trainee to issue an advisory to the F-14. In response to the advisory, the F-14 pilot visually acquired the Bellanca and took evasive action.