What happened
On 23 March 2022, an F-16CM, tail number 89-2142, assigned to the 138th Fighter Wing, 125th Fighter Squadron, crashed in Beauregard Parish, Louisiana. The aircraft was conducting a North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) mission involving an Aerospace Control Alert (ACA) launch from Ellington Field, Texas.
Following an initial successful intercept exercise, the mishap flight identified a general aviation aircraft operating at 1,700 feet MSL below the training airspace. The flight lead directed the formation to perform a low-speed, low-altitude visual identification (VID) intercept of this non-participating aircraft. During this uncoordinated maneuver, the pilot of the F-16CM failed to maintain positive control while flying at low airspeeds. After inadvertently moving the Digital Backup (DBU) switch to the BACKUP position, the pilot experienced an unexpected aircraft movement and incorrectly assessed that the aircraft had departed controlled flight. Due to this perceived loss of control at a low altitude, the pilot ejected safely, though the aircraft was destroyed upon impact.
The investigation
The Accident Investigation Board (AIB) examined the flight dynamics, cockpit switch positions, and mission coordination. The investigation focused on the pilot's handling of the aircraft during the low-speed intercept and the decision-making process leading to the ejection. The board also reviewed the coordination between the formation and the general aviation aircraft, as well as adherence to established training rules.
Findings
- The primary cause of the mishap was the pilot's ejection following an incorrect assessment that the aircraft had departed controlled flight.
- The pilot inadvertently placed the DBU switch to BACKUP, which caused a normal but unanticipated aircraft response that was misperceived as uncommanded movement.
- A lack of flight leadership and discipline contributed to the accident, specifically regarding the decision to intercept an uncoordinated, non-participating aircraft without prior planning or coordination with controlling agencies.
- The crew violated several training rules, including maintaining minimum airspeeds and separation distances during the low/slow intercept maneuver.