4 Pilots Killed in Crash Identified

Flight International Inc. on Thursday identified the firm’s four pilots who were killed Wednesday morning when two twin-engine Learjets collided near San Clemente Island.

The two executive jets were among the planes the firm contracts to the Navy. The planes collided while taking part in a routine Navy training exercise.

Killed in the crash were Capt. Robert L. Punches of San Diego, Capt. Arthur V. Carranza of Chula Vista, 1st Officer Mickey Vann of Carlsbad and 1st Officer John F. McCammon of Fallbrook.

At the time of the collision, the planes were taking part in a radar exercise in which they were simulating an attack on the guided-missile cruiser Gridley, according to Chief Petty Officer Paul Versailles, a Navy spokesman.