Report: Pilot in fatal NC Harrier crash unprepared

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. — Investigators say a North Carolina-based Marine Corps pilot killed in a crash last year lacked training for his mission to a college football game and his supervising officer deserves some blame.

The Daily News of Jacksonville reported Thursday that the investigation led to the commanding officer of a Marine aviation training squadron at the Cherry Point Air Station being relieved of his duties.

Capt. Alberto Bencosme died when his Harrier jet crashed Dec. 29, 2008. Bencosme had a support role for a flyover at the Outback Bowl, requiring him to fly solo to McDill Air Force Base near Tampa, Fla.

The report said Bencosme had not piloted a Harrier solo for about two months before the crash and his preparation had other shortcomings.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)