Accident
Two aircraft were involved in a mid-air collision during a military exercise that simulated an aerial attack on a US Navy vessel. One aircraft, whose type was not specified, carried two crew members. The second aircraft was a Flight International Learjet 35, registered N39DM, also with two crew on board. Under unknown circumstances, the two aircraft collided. Following the collision, both aircraft crashed into the sea approximately 27 miles southeast of San Clemente Island. All four crew members were killed in the accident.
Investigation
The official investigation concluded that the accident was an in-flight collision for unknown reasons. No further details regarding the specific sequence of events, communications, or maneuvers leading to the collision were provided. The investigation did not identify any additional causal factors.