Shore Guy
7th Jul 2005, 13:31
LAS VEGAS
Nellis pilot faulted in crash of F-16
Jul 1, 2005, 11:19 AM
A pilot's failure to follow standard operation procedures caused an F-16 to
crash short of the runway at Nellis Air Force Base earlier this year.
Air Force officials say the March 18th crash happened when the pilot was
returning to the base following an in flight emergency in which the throttle
stuck in the afterburner mode.
While preparing to land, the engine stalled short of the runway, forcing the
pilot to eject.
He suffered minor scratches but the 22.7 million dollar aircraft was
destroyed.
According to the Air Combat Command Accident Investigation Board report, the
pilot had a large metal briefcase strapped in the unoccupied rear cockpit
seat.
With the pilot's permission, a maintenance specialist strapped the briefcase
in the rear seat prior to starting the engine.
The items shifted during takeoff and the briefcase jammed against the
throttle in the full afterburner position.
The Air Force says there's also clear and convincing evidence the pilot did
not properly respond to the stuck throttle condition.
Once the pilot obtained altitude and airspeed within the F-16 Flight Manual
flameout landing parameters, he did not maintain a position that would
enable him to land the aircraft on the runway in the event the engine
failed.
Nellis pilot faulted in crash of F-16
Jul 1, 2005, 11:19 AM
A pilot's failure to follow standard operation procedures caused an F-16 to
crash short of the runway at Nellis Air Force Base earlier this year.
Air Force officials say the March 18th crash happened when the pilot was
returning to the base following an in flight emergency in which the throttle
stuck in the afterburner mode.
While preparing to land, the engine stalled short of the runway, forcing the
pilot to eject.
He suffered minor scratches but the 22.7 million dollar aircraft was
destroyed.
According to the Air Combat Command Accident Investigation Board report, the
pilot had a large metal briefcase strapped in the unoccupied rear cockpit
seat.
With the pilot's permission, a maintenance specialist strapped the briefcase
in the rear seat prior to starting the engine.
The items shifted during takeoff and the briefcase jammed against the
throttle in the full afterburner position.
The Air Force says there's also clear and convincing evidence the pilot did
not properly respond to the stuck throttle condition.
Once the pilot obtained altitude and airspeed within the F-16 Flight Manual
flameout landing parameters, he did not maintain a position that would
enable him to land the aircraft on the runway in the event the engine
failed.