COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- An Air Force investigation says a combination of pilot error and other factors lead to a collision of two F-16s off the South Carolina coast that claimed one pilot's life.
An Air Combat Command spokeswoman said Tuesday the investigation found the less experienced pilot failed to reduce his air speed and select a proper flight path when he attempted to rejoin his leader in the night exercise last October.
The investigation also found that a radar failure occurred, distracting the pilot and diverting his attention from correcting his errors.
The two jets collided and Capt. Nicholas Giglio was killed. His aircraft was destroyed.
The flight leader landed his damaged jet at Charleston Air Force Base.
Both pilots were based at Shaw Air Force Base near Sumter.
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