This accident also provided the genesis for a massive recertification process for all 1,300 airborne warning and control aircrew members. A senior mission crew member received a court-martial for dereliction of duty for this incident but was acquitted. The helicopter victims received purple hearts when the medal expanded eligibility to include friendly-fire wounds or death.
The accident also triggered a thorough review and re-certification process for all 1,300 airborne warning and control aircrew members. A senior crew member faced court-martial for dereliction of duty but was ultimately acquitted. The helicopter victims received purple hearts when the medal's criteria were expanded to include friendly-fire casualties.