Incident Details
The accident occurred during a military exercise that involved a simulated aerial attack on a United States Navy vessel. Two aircraft were participating in the exercise when, under unknown circumstances, they collided in flight. One of the aircraft was a Flight International Learjet 24D bearing registration N97DM. The type and registration of the other aircraft were not disclosed in the official report.
Location and Aftermath
The collision took place over the Pacific Ocean, approximately 27 miles southeast of San Clemente Island, California. Following the collision, both aircraft descended uncontrolled and impacted the water. All four individuals on board—two crew members per aircraft—were killed in the accident. The wreckage sank into the sea.
Probable Cause
The official investigation into the accident determined the probable cause to be an in-flight collision for unknown reasons. No further causal factors were identified.