What happened
On 7 July 2015, at approximately 11:00 local time, an F-16CM, tail number 96-0085, assigned to the 55th Fighter Squadron, 20th Fighter Wing, was flying near Moncks Corner, South Carolina. The aircraft was enroute from Myrtle Beach to Charleston at an altitude of 1,600 feet. Simultaneously, a Cessna 150M, registration N3601V, departed Berkeley County Airport heading toward Myrtle Beach.
During the flight, the air traffic controller provided traffic information to the F-16CM pilot regarding an aircraft in the opposite direction. Shortly after, the controller issued a directive for the F-16CM to perform an immediate left turn to a heading of 180 degrees. During this maneuver, the F-16CM collided with the Cessna 150M. The impact caused the engine exhaust module of the fighter jet to separate from the airframe, resulting in a loss of thrust.
The pilot of the F-16CM was forced to eject at approximately 300 feet above ground level and sustained minor injuries. The Cessna 150M and its occupants—the pilot and one passenger—did not survive the collision. The F-16CM subsequently impacted an uninhabited forest roughly 9 miles south of the initial collision site, where the aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
The investigation examined the sequence of communications between the air traffic controller and the F-16CM pilot, as well as the flight paths of both aircraft. Investigators reviewed radar data, which showed the Cessna was visible to the controller prior to the collision. The board also analyzed maintenance records for the F-16CM, finding that all engine, mechanical, and flight control components were within required inspection intervals and that no documented maintenance discrepancies contributed to the accident.
Findings
- The air traffic controller issued a radar vector directing the F-16CM to turn left to 180 degrees, which placed both aircraft on a direct collision course.
- The pilot of the F-16CM and the pilot of the Cessna 150M were unable to visually identify and avoid one another in time to prevent the impact.
- The controller's instruction directed the fighter jet through an altitude and course that increased the risk of conflict by passing near the departure routes of an uncontrolled airfield.
- The air traffic controller did not provide sufficient advance warning regarding the traffic conflict before issuing the immediate turn instruction.
- Both pilots failed to utilize available onboard systems that could have improved situational awareness.