Falling from the Sky
A Dayton Daily News investigation into military aviation accidents

Part 1: Oct. 24, 1999

Sidebars to Part 1:

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ANATOMY OF A CRASH
ONE PILOT'S STORY
Pilot's Navy jet plunges into bay
Randall E. McNally II's plane was scheduled to be junked just weeks before the crash.
Engine problems noted on plane in fatal crash
Pilots reported smoke, fumes twice before
Series in the works for 18 months
Information came from databases, reports and interviews<
About the author

Part 2: Oct. 25, 1999

Sidebar to Part 2

ANATOMY OF A CRASH - PART TWO
Critical system had history of failure
At the time of the crash, plane had at least 10 outstanding maintenance directives.

Part 3: Oct. 26, 1999

Sidebars to Part 3:

ANATOMY OF A CRASH - PART THREE
'Atlas' embraced life with passion
The young pilot was born with wings for adventure, according to his family
Helicopter should not have flown
Hamilton man, four others killed in crash

Part 4: Oct. 27, 1999

Sidebars to Part 4:

ANATOMY OF A CRASH - PART 4
Witnesses watch flight's plunge
Both of the men in the A-6E Intruder were respected, experienced aviators
Crash that transfixed nation left no trace in Air Force data
It was ruled a crime, not an accident

Part 5: Oct. 28, 1999

Sidebar to Part 5:

ANATOMY OF A CRASH - PART 5
Pilot's death prompts inquiries
Serious mishaps trigger two separate investigations, one amid much secrecy

Part 6: Oct. 29, 1999

Sidebar to Part 6

ANATOMY OF A CRASH - PART SIX
Family, friends grieve, search for answers
'I got the feeling they were withholding something,' pilot's mother says