On Fri, 17 Feb 2006 05:49:11 GMT, "Capt.Doug"
wrote in
::

I also don't believe NTSB accident reports to be gospel.

You've got that right.

Read the NTSB's probable cause of this MAC between an Navy A7 and a
glider: http://www.ntsb.gov/ntsb/brief.asp?e...13X33340&key=1

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable
cause(s) of this accident as follows:

PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION..IMPROPER.
IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION..IMPROPER.
CHECKLIST..POOR.

So while the NTSB found the glider pilot (who obviously had the right
of way) to be at fault in this MAC, the truth is, the military pilot's
actions weren't merely improper, they were contrary to _regulations_*,
but the NTSB failed to mention that.

* http://www.e-publishing.af.mil/searc...I11-202&page=2

22 AFI11-202V3 6 JUNE 2003

5.5. Right-of-Way Rules . Usually, right-of-way is given to the
aircraft least able to maneuver, which normally permits that
aircraft to maintain course and speed. However, visibility
permitting, each pilot must take whatever action is necessary to
avoid collision, regardless of who has the right-of-way. When
another aircraft has the right-of-way, the yielding aircraft must
not pass over, under, abeam, or ahead of the other aircraft until
well clear.

5.5.1. Distress . Aircraft in distress have the right-of-way over
all other air traffic.

5.5.2. Converging. When converging at approximately the same
altitude (except head-on or approximately so), the aircraft to the
other’s right has the right-of-way. Aircraft of different
categories have the right-of-way in the following order of
priority:

5.5.2.1. Balloons.

5.5.2.2. Gliders.

5.5.2.3. Aircraft towing or refueling other aircraft.

5.5.2.4. Airships.

5.5.2.5. Rotary or fixed-wing aircraft.

5.5.3. Approaching Head-On . If aircraft are approaching each
other head-on or approximately so, each shall alter course to the
right.

5.5.4. Overtaking Aircraft . An overtaken aircraft has the
right-of-way. The overtaking aircraft must alter course to the
right.