What happened
On 21 November 2019, at approximately 09:06 local time, a mid-air collision occurred between two T-38C Talon aircraft during a formation landing on Runway 35 Center at Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma. The first aircraft, T/N 65-0395, was operating in the left wing position as part of a local student formation training mission. The second aircraft, T/N 67-4950, was flying in direct support.
Immediately following touchdown, the aircraft in the left wing position briefly became airborne and rolled rapidly to the right. As it touched down a second time in a right bank, the aircraft entered a skid and crossed the runway centerline toward the second aircraft. The aircraft then lifted off the runway again, striking the second aircraft with its right main landing gear. This impact caused the first aircraft to roll over the top of the second before impacting the ground in a nearly inverted position. The collision resulted in two fatalities.
The second aircraft departed the paved surface of the runway and traveled through the grass before coming to a stop. The crew of the second aircraft successfully shut down their engines and exited the aircraft safely.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight profiles, maintenance records, and crew performance during the formation approach and landing sequence. Investigators analyzed the use of aerodynamic braking maneuvers and rudder inputs during the touchdown phase. The board also reviewed the visual scanning practices of the student pilot and the real-time risk assessment capabilities of the instructor pilot.