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Veteran Pilot Disoriented Before Crash

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 23, 2007

PORTLAND, Ore. - An F-15 fighter jet pilot was disoriented during an Oregon Air National Guard combat training exercise when he crashed into the Pacific Ocean in June, according to an Air Force review.

Maj. Gregory Dean Young, 34, of St. Helens died on impact about 40 miles west of Cannon Beach. The crash occurred while Portland-based 142nd Fighter Wing jets were dogfighting with Marine Corps pilots from Texas.

Young, a veteran pilot known for his emphasis on flight safety, spoke calmly to his wingman on his radio two seconds before impact. His radio transmissions betray no signs of distress or alarm.

The military, according to the review, blamed the crash on 'spatial disorientation,' which occurs when a pilot's response to 'false sensations, altitude, motion, velocity, acceleration or position' causes the pilot to 'misinterpret his or her position in flight relative to the Earth or other aircraft.'

The reports depict an experienced Air Force pilot with more than 2,300 flying hours and more than 750 hours in the F-15.

Before his death, he had been promoted to mission commander and flew about six to nine missions a month.

Air Force Air Combat Command headquarters in Langely, Va., released its findings Friday.

Young 'was clearly unaware of his position and impacted the water,' the Air Force said. His body was recovered the next day.

The Associated Press

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