I do like this wording from the USAF press release:
.......The engine failed when the third stage forward integral arm of a rotor fractured and
liberated during the takeoff roll.......(my bolding)
Guess that's a nice way to say it...makes it seem it was set free to lead a better life
F-35 Accident Investigation Complete > Air Education and Training Command > News Article
And given the below, I am indeed surprised there was not a total burn out as I mentioned in post #6217....:
"Pieces of the failed rotor arm cut through the engine's fan case, the engine bay, an internal fuel tank, and hydraulic and fuel lines before exiting through the aircraft's upper fuselage. Damage from the engine failure caused leaking fuel and hydraulic fluid to ignite and burn the rear two thirds of the aircraft"
As for the $50 million, this editors note says:
(EDITOR’S NOTE: The “in excess of $50 million” is a reporting category, and is not a true estimate of the cost of the damage.) http://www.defense-aerospace.com/art...stigation.html