Marines: Lack of Training, Command Problems Contributed to Fatal 2018 Crash off Japan - USNI News...

The Marine Corps found that pilot error, inadequate oversight of training and operations and an unprofessional command climate contributed to the Dec. 6 crash of an F/A-18D Hornet and a KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft that killed six Marines and injured one.

The commandant of the Marine Corps may appoint a Consolidated Disposition Authority (CDA) to continue investigating the findings of the Judge Advocate General Manual (JAGMAN) investigation, which was recently concluded and just announced today. Four officers from the Hornet squadron, Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242, have already been relieved of duty throughout the course of the investigation.

“At approximately 1:30 a.m. on December 6, 2018, while flying at an altitude of 15,000 feet, two F/A-18Ds assigned to VMFA(AW)-242 joined a KC-130J assigned to [Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152] for air-to-air refueling. The first F/A-18D (F/A-18 Flight Lead) completed refueling and moved to a position on the right side of the KC-130J (Right Echelon). After the second F/A-18D completed refueling, its pilot requested and was approved to move to the left side of the KC-130J (Left Echelon), a non-standard maneuver for air-to-air refueling departure procedures. The pilot of the second F/A-18D was not experienced in conducting nighttime air-to-air refueling operations. The investigation indicates the mishap pilot lost situational awareness, unintentionally crossed over the top of the KC-130J from left to right, and collided with the rear of the tanker,” reads a summary of the investigation released today.