Background
Two F-16 aircraft departed Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, Georgia, under an IFR flight plan. The flight was destined for a low-altitude military training route near Sarasota, Florida.
Communication Issues
Miami Center provided the flight lead with an incorrect radio frequency for Tampa Approach. Unable to establish communications, the flight lead recontacted Miami Center, cancelled the IFR clearance, and proceeded under VFR. The controller acknowledged and offered VFR flight following, which the pilot declined. Miami then informed Tampa Approach that the flight had terminated ATC services but did not specify the presence of a second aircraft. Tampa Approach procedures did not require flight strips, so controllers were unaware of the formation size.
Formation and Navigation Error
The two F-16s assumed a "fighting wing" formation, with the accident aircraft positioned on the left side of the lead, approximately 0.7 miles in trail. The accident F-16's transponder was inactive, standard for formation operations, reducing its radar visibility. The lead pilot's navigation system developed a position error, indicating a location several miles from the actual position. The pilot failed to recognize this error and attempted to locate the training route entry point using erroneous data. Due to this loss of situational awareness, both aircraft descended into Sarasota's Class C airspace without establishing required ATC communications.
Cessna Flight and ATC Interaction
A Cessna 172 departed Sarasota under VFR and contacted Tampa Approach. The developmental controller instructed the pilot to maintain 1,600 feet, turn to a heading of 320 degrees, and follow the shoreline. At 15:47:10, the Cessna was instructed to climb and maintain 3,500 feet. At 15:47:55, Miami Center inquired about the F-16s' altitude. The Tampa controller, though not in contact with the F-16s, identified the lead aircraft on radar at 2,000 feet.
Conflict Alert and Collision
A conflict alert between the lead F-16 and the Cessna activated ten times between 15:47:39 and 15:48:03. The developmental controller heard an alarm but could not recall its location; the instructing controller did not recall seeing or hearing any alert. No conflict alert was issued. No alert was generated between the accident F-16 and the Cessna because the conflict alert system requires both aircraft to have operating transponders. At 15:48:09, the developmental controller informed the Cessna pilot of traffic to his left, but received no response. Controllers were unaware of the accident F-16's position.
Collision and Aftermath
At 15:48:53, the lead F-16 transmitted "Mayday, mayday." At 15:49:14, the transmission continued with "Mayday, mayday, mayday, F-16 down." Examination of wreckage revealed that the accident F-16's left wing and cockpit area collided with the Cessna 172's right forward side (nose) and cabin area.