A pilot's loss of situational awareness caused two F-16 Fighting Falcons to collide May 17, according to a report Air Force officials released Aug. 30.

The lead pilot, of the Indiana Air National Guard’s 113th Fighter Squadron in Terre Haute, was killed in the crash. The pilot of the second aircraft, also assigned to the 113th FS, safely ejected and suffered minor injuries. The aircraft, with a combined value of about $39.8 million, were destroyed.

The incident happened during a four-ship training mission about 40 miles southwest of Terre Haute. The pilot of the second aircraft lost situational awareness during a tactical 180-degree left turn after performing a weapons check. During the weapons check, he did not notice the lead aircraft changing airspeed and altitude and mistook the third aircraft as the lead aircraft. That loss of situational awareness caused the accident, and the lead pilot changing his airspeed and altitude during the turn substantially contributed to it. [ANN Thanks Air Combat Command]

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