[HighWheeler]

I thought the accident in 1982 during a line abreast loop was caused by a malfunction on the leader's A/C related to a control line.

[Pukin Dog]

You are correct, but the leader failed to call for an emergency breakaway in time for the other members to get clear. He could not pull out, and they just followed him right into the ground. Remember, they dont look anywhere but at his plane, they had no idea they about to die.