Failed procedures = friendly fire = loss of life

[tw]

Originally Posted by Cyclefrance

Coroner's verdict

There remains this gorilla in the room that no one wants to talk about. Pilots are provided with stimulants to stay sharp during combat flights. These drugs have a nasty habit of modifying the thought process; can make a pilot 'trigger-happy'. In this case, the pilots saw the 'friendly' markings and were not given permission to attack. They let themselves be confused by one who said no friendlies that far north. Two facts say to not attack. A third only implies it may be enemy. With drugs, and long flight times (Warthogs stay out for long patrols), well, no one wants to discuss the drugs.