Firefighting A-Model Crash
The A-model firefighter that folded up its wings was nothing like an E or K. Those particular birds were retired by the USAF having never had their centre wing boxes upgraded. The forestry service operated them & even some non-government contractors.
Fire fighting is severe duty - max speed dives into moderate/severe turbulence with rapid onset G-forces during pullout.
Metal fatigue is indeed cumulative - it's like bending a paper clip back & forth - eventually it snaps & you never know exactly when.
Last edited by US Herk; 8th Mar 2005 at 08:10.