Air Force: Pilot error led to accidental strafing

Air Force: Pilot error led to accidental strafing


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HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah (AP) -- Air Force investigators say an F-16 pilot misidentified a sport utility vehicle when he blasted it with a 20 mm cannon in April.

The Air Force says 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.

Two soldiers inside the vehicle received minor injuries as they scrambled to get out.

The 388th Fighter Wing at Utah's Hill Air Force Base has taken administrative actions against the pilot, including a change in his qualifications. He's also been required to get more training.

The pilot's name was not released Wednesday.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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