Pilot error blamed for Navy jet collision

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., Nov. 27 (UPI) -- A collision between U.S. Navy jets over the Persian Gulf was caused by pilot error, including one pilot's misreporting his position, Navy investigators say.

The Navy did not identify the flyers involved and said all are still flying, The Norfolk Virginian-Pilot reported. The planes were lost in the January crash, but the crew all ejected safely.

The collision occurred shortly after the planes left the carrier Harry S. Truman for an 8-hour mission. The pilot of a single-engine F/A-18E, who had been temporarily assigned as the other plane's wingman, misread his position and gave wrong information to the other pilot.

The pilot and weapons system officer in the other plane, as well as the one who had misreported his position, did not "maintain proper visual scan," the Navy said.

The F/A-18E pilot, taking responsibility for the collision, said that he engaged in an "inappropriate prioritization of non-essential administrative cockpit duties during a critical phase of flight."

The report recommended a review of night vision goggle instructions and rendezvous procedures and training in aircraft coordination for the three flyers.