NTSB Identification: DCA12PA049
Nonscheduled 14 CFR Public Use
Accident occurred Tuesday, March 06, 2012 in Fallon, NV
Aircraft: ISRAEL AIRCRAFT INDUSTRIES F21-C2, registration: N404AX
Injuries: 1 Fatal.
This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be
corrected when the final report has been completed.
On March 6, 2012 at 0914 pacific standard time, an Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) Kfir F-21C2 single-seat
turbojet fighter type aircraft, registration N404AX, operated by Airborne Tactical Advantage Company
(ATAC) under contract to Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) as a civil public aircraft operation, crashed
upon landing at Naval Air Station Fallon, Fallon, Nevada. The sole occupant pilot aboard was killed, and the
airplane was substantially damaged by impact forces and fire. The flight had departed Fallon at 0752 the
same day, and attempted to return following an adversary training mission. The pilot initiated two Ground
Control Approach (GCA) radar approaches to Fallon and then attempted to divert to Reno but was unable
to land there as the field was reporting below minimum weather conditions. The pilot then turned back
toward Fallon and stated to air traffic controllers that he was in a critical fuel state. The pilot descended
and maneuvered first toward runway 31, then toward runway 13. The airplane struck the ground in an
open field in the northwest corner of the airport property and impacted a concrete building on the field.
Weather at the time of the accident was reported as snowing with northerly winds of 23 knots gusting to
34 knots, and visibility between one-half and one and one-half miles.