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Eglin F-15 fatal mid-air:  Pilot Error
08/25/08 - 05:17 PM
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Mark Jenkins - bio
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click for larger image Eglin AFB, Fla

The Air Force says the pilots are at fault in a jet crash that killed one pilot.

Officials say two F-15C Eagles, from Eglin Air Force Base collided during a routine training exercise 44 nautical miles south of Tyndall Air Force Base.  The Air Force officials discussed the investigation in a special phone conference Monday.

Investigators determined the cause of the mishap was purely pilot error and unrelated to any aircraft problem.  Two F-15 jets engaged in a mission of basic fighter maneuvers.  The two just finished their second neutral pass when 1st Lt. Ali Jivanjee temporarily lost sight of the other jet.  In a matter of seconds the two collided.  Jivanjee died on impact.

The other pilot, Captain Tucker Hamilton, ejected with minor injuries.  Tucker was under consideration for upgrade to instructor pilot.  He’s been a qualified pilot in the F-15C since 2005.  First Lt. Jivanjee, on the other hand had only four months experience prior to the accident.  The F-15s were grounded from November to January.  During that time, the jets were being inspected for structural problems after a crash in Missouri last November.  While grounded both pilots didn’t fly for 2 months.  Upon return to the air, each pilot logged merely 14 flights before the accident.

“Both had met their re-qualification training to go out and perform this mission,” says Gen. Reynes.  “They were both competent and proficient to perform this activity.  Now were they as proficient as they could’ve been, if we had continued flying for 3 months?  I can’t answer that.”

Cpt. Hamilton has flown since the accident.  He’s currently assigned in Germany as an Air Liason Officer.  After his current assignment, General Reynes believes Hamilton will be reviewed and return to the air.

According to the report, the estimated combined loss of the fighter jets is more than $83 million dollars.

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