Pilot, Navigator in Gondola Mishap Must Stand Trial
- Share via
CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — A Marine general Friday ordered military trials on manslaughter charges for the pilot and navigator of an anti-radar plane that cut an Italian ski gondola cable and killed 20 people.
Lt. Gen. Peter Pace, commander of Marine Corps Forces Atlantic, determined that there was sufficient evidence for a general court-martial for Capt. Richard J. Ashby, the pilot of the EA-6B Prowler, and Capt. Joseph P. Schweitzer, the navigator.
But Pace dismissed charges against two electronic countermeasures officers, Capts. Chandler P. Seagraves and William L. Raney II. Both sat in the rear cockpit of the jet, and evidence during a hearing showed they had no control over the plane and very limited visibility.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
