T-6A accident investigation complete Published March 19, 2008 RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) -- Air Force officials have completed the investigation of the Nov. 28, 2007, T-6A Texan II mid-air collision near Gunshy Auxiliary Field, Miss., which resulted in the loss of both aircraft. The accident investigation board determined the cause of this mishap was a result of pilot error. A T-6A flown by student pilot 2nd Lt. Christopher Poponi and instructor pilot Maj. Joseph Brewster, both assigned to the 41st Flying Training Squadron at Columbus Air Force Base, Miss., overshot a landing traffic entry pattern and failed to see a second T-6A. The second aircraft, piloted by Indian air force Lieutenant Junior Grade Deepak Gill and U.S. Air Force instructor pilot Capt. Douglas Snead, was flying straight and level and already in the landing pattern when the collision occurred. At that time, both instructor pilots initiated the ejection sequence and all four crew members ejected from their aircraft. All four pilots sustained minor injuries from the ejection, but those injuries were limited to superficial burns and abrasions. The aircraft, valued at $5 million each were a total loss and property damage was limited to ground scarring and fuel and hydraulic contamination. Col. John D. Bird II, 325th Fighter Wing, Tyndall AFB, Fla. headed the accident investigation board. Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) View the comments/letters page