Without a working attitude indicator and mired in thick cloud cover, the F-16 pilot found it difficult to ensure he was flying away from the ocean.
The top National Guard post has been vacant since the start of August.
North Korea has repeatedly vowed to expand its nuclear arsenal, but Tuesday's threat followed its recent unveiling of a uranium-enrichment facility.
A U.S. Army private who fled to North Korea just over a year ago will plead guilty to desertion and other charges, including assaulting an officer.
