What happened
During a scheduled training mission, an aircraft belonging to the Airborne Command & Control Squadron (VAW) 120 Fleet Replacement Squadron departed from Norfolk-Chambers Field NAS. While conducting the flight in the afternoon, the crew encountered an unforeseen emergency. In response to the developing situation, the occupants chose to abandon the aircraft and deploy their parachutes.
Following the crew's departure, the aircraft became uncontrolled and entered a steep dive. The plane eventually struck a field in the vicinity of Wallops Island. The impact of the crash, followed by a post-crash fire, resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. All four occupants successfully parachuted to safety and sustained no injuries.
Findings
- The crew performed an emergency bailout due to an unexpected in-flight situation.
- The aircraft's descent into a dive was uncontrolled following the abandonment of the cockpit.