WASHINGTON: The US air force has decided not to court-martial an F-15

pilot over the ''friendly fire'' downing of two Army Black Hawk

helicopters that claimed 26 lives in Iraq.

Negligent homicide and dereliction charges were dropped against

Lieutenant Colonel Randy May, a 19-year veteran and squadron commander.

The air force said he could still face disciplinary action.

May and another pilot shot down the Black Hawks on April 14 with

missiles, mistaking them for Iraqi Hinds in violation of a no-fly zone.