Mid-air collision of two US Navy T-39N Sabreliner aircraft

3 fatalities • Pensacola, United States of America • Flight

Two US Navy Rockwell T-39N Sabreliner aircraft collided and crashed into the Gulf of Mexico during a training mission, resulting in seven fatalities.

What happened

On an unspecified date, two Rockwell T-39N Sabreliner aircraft, operated by the US Navy, departed from Pensacola-Forrest Sherman Field to conduct a scheduled training flight. The aircraft involved were identified by the registrations 165522 and 16ASS25.

While the two planes were in the cruise phase of flight, an aerial collision occurred approximately 60 km from the coastline over the Gulf of Mexico. The impact caused both aircraft to crash into the sea. Search efforts later located wreckage approximately 64 km offshore, with debris from the two planes found roughly 10 km apart.

Findings

All seven crew members aboard both aircraft were killed in the accident. The specific sequence of events leading to the mid-air collision remains undetermined.

Probable cause

The exact cause of the mid-air collision during the cruise phase remains unknown.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-05-08 Rockwell T-39 Sabreliner accident near Pensacola, United States of America?

Two US Navy Rockwell T-39N Sabreliner aircraft collided and crashed into the Gulf of Mexico during a training mission, resulting in seven fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 2002-05-08 Rockwell T-39 Sabreliner accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-05-08 involved a Rockwell T-39 Sabreliner, registration 165522, operated by United States Navy - USN, at Pensacola, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The exact cause of the mid-air collision during the cruise phase remains unknown.

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