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Two U.S. fighter jets nearly collided with two skydivers in the U.K. at 350 mph, according to an official report released Thursday.
During the incident over Chatteris airfield in Cambridgeshire, the F-15 jets unknowingly dipped below two unidentified parachutists, who captured the event on a helmet GoPro as they were falling at 120 mph.
The U.K. Airprox Board, who reviews proximity events in U.K. airspace, revealed in their report that the near-tragedy in April was likely caused by an air traffic control miscommunication.
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“The controller had not realized the F-15s were heading towards Chatteris prior to them calling on the frequency and therefore was not able to pre-empt their call and provide a warning,” the report stated. “This was likely because the controller was busy and therefore distracted by other work-related tasks.”
The planes were diverted from their original flight plan to avoid a refueling tanker, during which they were transferred from an ATC at Royal Air Force Coningsby to one at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, a station for the USAF 48th Fighter Wing.
“This location is known by our aircrew, as is multiple others in the region and we avoid it when we know parachute operations are in effect,” Col. Will Marshall, 48th Fighter Wing Commander, told Fox News. “The crews executed in accordance with all appropriate rules, guidance, and direction.”
A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle descends after receiving fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker, during an aerial refueling mission at an undisclosed location, Aug. 9, 2019. (U.S. Air Force)
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The board analyzing the incident was shown the GoPro footage, which showed the F-15s passing underneath the free-falling skydivers.
“Once the parachutists had seen the F-15s there was very little they could do to avoid the situation, having no control over their speed or direction whilst in free-fall,” the report said.
The incident occurred at 1:17 pm with clear visibility reported, making it legal under U.K. law for skydivers to free-fall in any government or licensed aerodrome.
The board was ultimately unable to establish how close the two parties came to colliding but the parachutists acknowledged their risk of collision was at a “medium.”
Col. Will Marshall, a 48th Fighter Wing commander, told reporters that U.K. airspace was "incredibly complex and often congested."
At the time of the incident, the United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) was between representatives, after an employee’s short-notice retirement. According to the report, the “other [USAFE] personnel” who were credited with filling the position at the time were still able to cooperate with the board’s investigation.
Regional Air Force units are now rebriefing their crews on the protocols and statuses of the Chatteris airspace.
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“Our Air Traffic Controllers have made this particular site a special interest item to ensure that this type of breakdown does not happen in the future,” Col. Marshall told Fox News.
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