A Thunderbird pilot from Valencia “lost consciousness” during a high G-Force maneuver in the Nevada desert before a fatal crash, according to an Air Force report released Tuesday.

Maj. Stephen Del Bagno died on April 4, 2018, during a “routine aerial demonstration” in his F-16 Fighting Falcon near the Nevada Test and Training Range, according to the Air Force report.

The Thunderbird pilot sustained more than 8 G’s — more gravitational force than the reentry of the Apollo 16 spacecraft — after flying about 22 seconds in inverted flight at over 5,000-foot elevation.

See Related: Memorial To Be Held At Saugus High For Fallen Thunderbird Pilot

“For approximately the next five seconds, (Del Bagno) remained in a state of absolute incapacitation and made no deliberate flight control inputs as the (aircraft) accelerated toward the ground,” said the report.

About one second prior to ground impact, the pilot began deliberate flight control inputs as he transitioned from absolute to relative incapacitation.

Del Bagno did not have time to eject.

The Saugus High School graduate, also known as “Cajun,” was described as humble, hard-working, selfless and an all-around “good dude” at a memorial held at his alma mater in April.

See Related: Fallen Santa Clarita Thunderbirds Pilot Receives Memorial, Full Military Honors

Del Bagno was the “Slot Pilot” for the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, flying the No. 4 jet, according to the Thunderbird website.

At the time of his death, Vice President Mike Pence and Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson released statements giving their support to the pilot’s family.

Before joining the Air Force, Del Bagno was a civilian flight instructor, corporate pilot, skywriter and a banner tow pilot. He enjoyed snowboarding, water sports and spending time with family and friends.

Photo Courtesy U.S. Air Force

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