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A 2016 F/A-18C Hornet crash was the result of errors made by a below-average, inexperienced pilot, and runway lighting issues, a Marine Corps investigation has concluded.
On Oct. 25, 2016, an F/A-18C with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251 crashed on the runway at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, causing the pilot to eject. The pilot survived and was treated at the Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital on base.
“Two primary factors led to unrecognized loss of [situational awareness]: 1) the approach and airfield lighting not being turned on at sunset; 2) and his relatively low proficiency and flight experience,” the investigation reads.
As for the lights, they were supposed to be turned on at sunset, per procedure, but since they weren't located at the tower, they were usually turned on at request
originally posted by: Zaphod58
a reply to: Vector99
Because the base does a lot of NVG training. Having the lights come on and stay on limits the ability to do that training.
t control of the lights wasn't in the tower, so it could take up to 10 minutes to turn the lights on.