- BuNo: 159408
- Location: San Diego, California
- Date: Mon 27-Mar-1978
- Cause: Pilot Error
- Findings: Incident occurred at approximately 1920 hours during a night familiarization flight off Point Loma near San Diego, California.
The crew of an H-46 helicopter observed the aircraft (RA-24) in a wings level, nose low attitude as it appeared to pass beneath their aircraft seconds prior to impacting the water.
Cause: Although it cannot be positively determined, the preponderance of evidence, including observed attitude of the aircraft, the lack of any apparent ejection attempt and no indication of any mechanical difficulties or any apparent aircraft malfunction, leads to one conclusion that Pilot Disorientation was the principal factor in this accident.
This aircraft, RA-24, had remained manned and in position for 1 Hour and 15 minutes while awaiting the lead aircraft, RA-33, which was being readied for take off!!!
The fatigue factors are considered as possible contributing factors: The normal fatigue associated with a long working day and in the squadron area for 12 hours prior to takeoff. The mental and physical fatigue coupled with the desire to 'Get Going' associated with briefing, manning, then waiting an unusually lengthy period of time (1 hour 15 minutes) while airborne in the cockpit.
Crew of 2 killed with 1 body not recovered.
Source: JAG Investigation Report
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