@article{ref1,
title="G-LOC due to the push-pull effect in a fatal F-16 mishap",
journal="Aerospace medicine and human performance",
year="2020",
author="Metzler, Mari M.",
volume="91",
number="1",
pages="51-55",
abstract="<b>BACKGROUND:</b> The risks associated with high positive G<sub>z</sub> (+G<sub>z</sub>) aerobatic flight, especially with respect to +G<sub>z</sub>-induced loss of consciousness (G-LOC), are well known. Less appreciated is the effect of negative G<sub>z</sub> (-G<sub>z</sub>) flight on subsequent +G<sub>z</sub> maneuvers, known as the &quot;push-pull effect.&quot; This is an example involving the loss of an F-16 and pilot that was caused by the push-pull effect.<b>CASE REPORT:</b> The mishap pilot (MP) was killed during a training flight when his F-16 crashed without an ejection attempt. The MP, while transitioning from prolonged -G<sub>z</sub> flight to sustained +G<sub>z</sub> flight, maneuvered the mishap aircraft (MA) from -2.06 G<sub>z</sub> to +8.56 G<sub>z</sub> in less than 5 s. At this point, there were only minimal control inputs for 5 s, indicating the MP experienced transient incapacitation, most likely due to G-LOC or almost loss of consciousness (A-LOC). The MP's subsequent recovery attempt was interrupted by ground impact. The Accident Investigation Board (AIB) concluded the MP experienced G-LOC due to the push-pull effect.<b>DISCUSSION:</b> Since this is not the first time the push-pull effect has resulted in G-LOC mishaps, the adverse effects of such maneuvers should continue to be emphasized during military physiological training, as well as during general aviation (GA) aerobatics training. Furthermore, A-LOC, instead of being considered a discrete phenomenon, may need to be included in a broader G-LOC definition that encompasses the entire continuum of G-LOC and A-LOC.<b>Metzler MM. <i>G-LOC due to the push-pull effect in a fatal F-16 mishap</i>. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2020; 91(1):51-55.</b><p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="2375-6314",
doi="10.3357/AMHP.5461.2020",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.3357/AMHP.5461.2020"
}