AF Cites 'Human Factors' in F-22 Crash

LOS ANGELES - An Air Force investigation has found that the fatal crash of an F-22 jet fighter in California occurred after the pilot almost lost consciousness in a high-gravity maneuver.

The Air Force says the March 25 accident occurred as Lockheed Martin test pilot David Cooley was performing tests under high gravitational forces 35 miles outside Edwards Air Force Base.

The investigation board determined that during the third test he appeared to have been subjected to increased physiological stress and his lack of awareness delayed a recovery maneuver.

Cooley attempted a recovery, then determined he had inadequate altitude and ejected. But the report says he suffered fatal blunt force trauma due to the aircraft's speed and windblast.

The report issued by the Air Force Materiel Command estimated total losses at $155 million.