2 Reservists Killed in Ore. Jet Collision

[UpInArms]

http://abcnews.go.com/wire/US/ap20040721_2395.html

PORTLAND, Ore. July 21, 2004 — A pair of fighter jets collided in Oregon on Wednesday while conducting a training exercise, killing two reservists and injuring another.

At least one of the dead was a pilot; the other was a pilot or a weapons operator, said Capt. Michael Braibish of the Oregon National Guard.

Mid-Columbia Medical Center spokeswoman Yvonne Arbogast said a pilot who survived was being treated in the emergency room and was speaking and coherent.

The jets, both F-18 warplanes, collided over the Columbia River near Arlington, about 120 miles east of Portland.

Debris from the jets was scattered as far away as Interstate 84, eight miles south of Arlington.

...more...

[Octafish]

1. That's truly terrible news.

These reserve pilots and crew were willing to give their lives for our country -- and our freedom -- in combat. Losing their lives in an accident is no different. They ALL deserve our eternal thanks and gratitude.

[icymist]

2. Seattle PI - 7/22/04 Two reservists die when F-18s collide over Columbia R

Thursday, July 22, 2004

Two reservists die when F-18s collide over Columbia River

SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER STAFF AND NEWS SERVICES

ARLINGTON, Ore. -- Two Marine reservists died yesterday after two F-18s collided during a training exercise over the Columbia River in northeastern Oregon, authorities said.

One of the bodies was found on the Oregon side of the river, the other on the Washington side, according to Chris Fitzsimmons, a deputy sheriff in Gilliam County.

Capt. Michael Braibish with the Oregon National Guard said at least one of those dead was a pilot; the other one is either a pilot or a weapons operator, he said.

An additional crew member survived and was released last night from the emergency room at Mid-Columbia Medical Center.

<snip>

The planes were on a low-altitude training exercise from a National Guard base in Portland to a bombing range in Boardman, Ore., said Lt. Col. Bill Nielson with the Oregon Air National Guard. One plane was a single-seater, while the other had two seats, he said.

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