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.
This accident also led to a comprehensive re-evaluation of all 1,300 airborne warning and control aircrew members' qualifications. A senior crew member faced court-martial for neglect of duty but was ultimately cleared. The helicopter victims received purple hearts when the medal's eligibility was expanded to include friendly-fire injuries or fatalities.