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Pilot error led to strafing, hurt 2 soldiers

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah — An F-16 pilot misidentified a rented sport utility vehicle when he blasted it with a 20mm cannon during a late-night training exercise in April, according to an Air Force investigation.

The military said the pilot momentarily lost visual contact with a target while using night-vision goggles at the Utah Test and Training Range.

Moments later, he misidentified the parked SUV and hit it with rounds from the plane’s cannon. It was about 1.5 miles away from the target, which was a mock armored personnel carrier.

Two soldiers from Fort Lewis, Wash., inside the SUV received minor injuries as they scrambled to get out and call for the mission to be aborted.

Lt. Beth Woodward, a spokeswoman for the 388th Fighter Wing at Utah’s Hill Air Force Base, said the SUV was parked in an appropriate observation spot during the training exercise. The area was closed to the public.

The pilot’s name was not released Wednesday.

Woodward said the pilot is a major in the Air Force with more than 800 flying hours in F-16s.

Prior to the April 8 incident, the pilot had been certified to lead four-plane formations. Woodward said that certification has been revoked while the he undergoes additional training.

The incident prompted a review of training procedures, including air-to-ground coordination during training missions at night. Woodward said changes were made. She said she couldn’t provide details out of security concerns.

“We are fully committed to keeping the range a safe place to practice the skill sets needed to bring airpower to the enemy,” Col. Scott Dennis, 388th Fighter Wing commander, said in a statement.