An Air Combat Command accident investigation board has concluded that pilot spatial disorientation was the cause of the June 15 crash of an F-16 in Iraq. As we reported earlier, Ohio Air National Guard pilot Lt. Col. Kevin Sonnenberg was flying a close air support mission aiding ground forces and died in the crash. (The Toledo Blade reports Sonnenberg was a lieutenant colonel.) The board determined that Sonnenberg recovered “sufficient” situational awareness but was too low to complete the recovery procedures he initiated.
In a rare letter to the entire force, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach is telling Airmen to stay ready to support Operation Epic Fury, the massive U.S. operation against Iran.