That engagement proved that luck is an even bigger factor. The Foxbat slid up behind a jet that was flying straight and level, and apparently had multiple threat warning system malfunctions. Popped off a missile before shagging ass away from the other aircraft who were trying to get him. There was no maneuvering involved, and the Hornet driver likely never knew what hit him. By all accounts, Spike was a helluva stick and likely could have dusted the raghead in a dogfight.
But it was a kill either way...and I remember reading where at least one fighter pilot has used the phrase "I'd rather be lucky than good".
Of course, I heard that there were other theories that said that Spike's Hornet was shot down by either an F-15 or an F-14 that was attempting to target the Foxbat. I'm not sure anything was ever proven, or released to the public if it was.
-Mike