F/A-18E Crash - Near China Lake

[RAFEngO74to09]

Status of pilot unknown.

https://twitter.com/flynavy/status/1156634093322268674

[Airbubba]

The plane apparently crashed in the area of R-2508 known as Star Wars Canyon. The planes pass close enough to see Area 51 shoulder patches.


https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x1333/f_16d_groom_lake_top_e98fa62ae14fa24dea06f65a9a9803c1f9c1aed 5.jpg



https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x1075/00bzg6l_bf5f4fe4709679447e0c993826ed0f4ac6f849e2.jpg

[Airbubba]

Update from Tyler Rogoway at thedrive.com:

UPDATE: 1 pm PDT— Multiple reports are coming in to us that the Super Hornet slammed into the canyon wall just below the parking area at the famous 'Star Wars Canyon,' also known as the 'Jedi Transition' and 'Rainbow Canyon.' The site is a Mecca for aviation photographers that capture military aircraft rushing through the steep canyon on low-level training sorties. We have done (left=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/16631/watch-f-35s-do-a-spectacular-low-level-flyby-over-photographers-at-star-wars-canyon) dozens of posts (left=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/6041/f-35-caught-blasting-through-californias-star-wars-canyon) on this amazing place (left=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/21170/this-c-17-rocketed-through-star-wars-canyon-like-a-fighter-jet) and the photos (left=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/16381/rare-ghost-f-16d-toting-irst-pod-likely-based-at-area-51-spotted-in-jedi-transition) and videos are captured there (left=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/21631/watch-this-a-10-fly-right-up-against-the-side-of-star-wars-canyon). We have been told that there were some injuries in the parking lot, supposedly they were burn-related.

[Airbubba]

A news item with the squadron affiliation of the downed jet:

There are reports that visitors at the park have suffered minor injuries, a spokesperson for Death Valley National Park said.

Joint Strike Fighter Wing public affairs officer. Lt. Cmdr. Lydia Bock said the aircraft was assigned to the "Vigilantes" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151 based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California.

According to KNTV, initial reports indicated the jet went down on the west side of Death Valley National Park, near the Father Crowley Overlook, which has been temporarily closed.

The overlook is an area informally known as "Star Wars Canyon," which has been used for military training flights since the 1930s, said Patrick Taylor, a spokesperson for the park.The location regularly attracts tourists eager to watch military pilots make their way through the narrow canyon in maneuvers that evoke the "Star Wars" films.


https://abc7.com/navy-f-a-18e-fighter-jet-crashes-in-inyo-county;-pilots-status-unknown/5433048/ (https://abc7.com/navy-f-a-18e-fighter-jet-crashes-in-inyo-county;-pilots-status-unknown/5433048/)

[F-16GUY]

That will stop FJ flights in tha canyon for a while. Looking at the videos on youtube, some pilots don't realize how dangerous going belly up to the canyon walls is, especially when that close. Gives nice pics though but the price is potentially high.

R.I.P.

[Airbubba]

Reports of seven victims with second degree burns at the Father Crowley Point viewing area.

[Airbubba]

This post on the VFA-151 Facebook page seems to imply a fatal mishap.

Fellow Vigilantes,

There has been a tragedy in our squadron. Please stand by for further information that will be passed using pre approved scripts. The response to any Naval mishap is critical to the emotional well-being of all involved parties. Please allow the next-of-kin notification and investigation processes to be completed as designed. As we deal with this mishap together as a Navy family, it is critical that everyone refrain from sharing information through social media or with friends and family. Well intentioned social media posts during past mishaps have caused unintended, yet irreparable harm to the families involved. Honor your fellow brothers and sisters and their families by honouring the process.

https://www.facebook.com/VFA151/

[Airbubba]

Before and after pictures of the accident aircraft from KGrif Photography.


https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x952/f_18_crash_2e0ffdff6459dd58250c97041301511c0d0d0951.jpg

[Pegasus107]

Why, after comments on VFA151 Facebook page asking for people to refain from posting information, do we get an unconfirmed before and after photo 🤭

[Chris Kebab]

..because as soon as members of the public get hurt requests like that, in this age, become a bit pointless. As has been shown.

[Thaihawk]

Why, after comments on VFA151 Facebook page asking for people to refain from posting information, do we get an unconfirmed before and after photo 🤭

I think the comments were aimed at squadron personnel not to speculate and/or comment on the crash on the usual forums.

The photographer just happened to be in the right (wrong?) place at the right time and as happens frequently posted their photos.

The Valley Hawk crash springs to mind a couple of years back.

With photographers visiting LFAs like Mach Loop and ones in the States on a daily basis, expect more of these crashes to appear in the public domain in the future.

[SASless]

Military FJ flying is a hazardous occupation...doing so at very low level and high speed is very hazardous.

These tragedies do occur now and then and all involved understand and accept the risks.

We still mourn the losses the crashes cause....and very much mourn the loss of those who put their Lives on the Line for the rest of us.

Condolences to the family, friends, and others who lost someone in this tragedy.

[Less Hair]

Those tourists were said to be not aware of the low level flight area.

[Alchad]

Those tourists were said to be not aware of the low level flight area.

I've been to Rainbow half a dozen times to photograph the jets, it's not uncommon for tourists to come up to you and ask what you're doing with a camera with a rather large lens. Father Crowley car park is a fairly obvious place for tourists to stop and take in the view after climbing out of Death Valley. There is a Death Valley National Park information sign at one end of the car park which has a comment about being used for low flying training, but I've seen tourists park up, look at the view, take a few photos and drive off without even looking at the sign.

Alchad

[just another jocky]

Those tourists were said to be not aware of the low level flight area.

Does it matter whether they knew or not?

Condolences to all involved.

[weemonkey]

That will stop FJ flights in tha canyon for a while. Looking at the videos on youtube, some pilots don't realize how dangerous going belly up to the canyon walls is, especially when that close. Gives nice pics though but the price is potentially high.

R.I.P.


I'm pretty sure they knew exactly how dangerous it was.

[Rhino power]

US Navy confirms pilot was killed...

theavaiationgeekclub story (https://theaviationgeekclub.com/u-s-navy-declares-pilot-in-star-wars-canyon-f-a-18e-crash-dead/?fbclid=IwAR3zNfIc4KbcxHRLDLGK6MhvT9sFbAJahEsljgXZgkzRlxlaQu BuMPMaJU0)

-RP

[melmothtw]

Does it matter whether they knew or not?

If the argument is that this one 'just one of those things' and all involved knew the risks, then I would say it does matter.

It's arguable that the reason the fallout from Shoreham was so severe is that those killed were nothing to do with the airshow and just going about their business.

[dead_pan]

Very sad news, although I'm not that surprised. Having watched a few videos over recent years it's apparent some pilots do take crazy risks and showboat for the assembled audience. There's a couple of vids of Vipers going through with afterburners lit, and even a clip of a C5 sort of flying through the canyon. What the tactical advantage is of the latter is beyond me.

[Airbubba]

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1185x1047/jedi_2_d55036081a4181a2870a582d415951772858a1df.jpg

The Jedi transition to the Sidewinder low level route is NOTAM'ed closed for a few more days.

M0557/19 NOTAMN Q) ZLA/QFAXX/IV/NBO/A/000/999/3454N11753W005 A) KEDW B) 1908011924 C) 1908080001 E) SIDEWINDER POINT A TO POINT C CLOSED. JEDI TRANSITION (C-J) CLOSED. USE CAUTION, HELO OPERATIONS IVO POINT J.

[SASless]

It's arguable that the reason the fallout from Shoreham was so severe is that those killed were nothing to do with the airshow and just going about their business.

That and perhaps the Nanny State Mindset of the UK plays a role in such reactions.

This tragedy occurred in a very desolate area of the country with not much in the way of structures and people.

[Airbubba]

In accordance with the 48 hour rule the identity of the pilot has been released.

Navy Identifies Pilot Killed in Death Valley Super Hornet CrashBy: Sam LaGrone (https://news.usni.org/author/slagrone) August 2, 2019 4:50 PM



https://news.usni.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/WALKER-PHOTO.jpgLt. Charles Walker, 33, died when his F/A-18E Super Hornet crashed about 40 miles north of Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, Calif.
The Navy has identified the pilot who was killed in a Wednesday crash in Death Valley National Park, Calif.

Lt. Charles Walker, 33, died when his F/A-18E Super Hornet crashed about 40 miles north of Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, Calif. He was on a training mission over a canyon at the national park when the crash occurred.

Walker was assigned to the “Vigilantes” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151, based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif.“The NAS Lemoore aviation family is grieving the loss of one of our own,” Capt. James "Goat Boy" Bates, commander of Strike Fighter Wing Pacific, said in a statement.

“Lt. Walker was an incredible naval aviator, husband and son. He was an integral member of the Vigilante family and his absence will be keenly felt on this flight line. Our aviators understand the risk associated with this profession and they knowingly accept it in service to our nation. The untimely loss of a fellow aviator and shipmate pains us all. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends.” A Navy summary of the crash reviewed by USNI News said the aircraft impacted against the side of the canyon wall during low altitude training. The crash occurred in the so-called “Star Wars” canyon at Death Valley – a popular spot for military aviation photographers. The National Park Service said that seven people suffered minor injuries as a result of the crash.

An investigation into the crash is ongoing.

Walker had reported to the squadron in February 2018, shortly after the Vigilantes had returned from a deployment aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74), according to his official Navy biography.

Prior to the assignment, Walker had been assigned to the Strike Fighter Weapons School Pacific at NAS Lemoore. He had also been assigned to the “Dambuster” Strike Fighter Squadron 195 as part of the Navy’s forward-deployed Carrier Air Wing 5 based at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan.

He commissioned in late 2008 shortly before graduating from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida. Walker did not list a home of record, according to Navy officials.

The following is the complete Aug. 2, 2019 Navy statement.

Pilot Identified Following F/A-18E Super Hornet Crash

Lemoore, CA (NNS) – The pilot of the F/A-18E Super Hornet that crashed approximately 40 miles north of Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, Calif. on July 31 has been identified.

The Super Hornet, assigned to the ‘Vigilantes’ of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151 based at Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore, California, was flown by Lt. Charles Z. Walker, 33.

“The NAS Lemoore aviation family is grieving the loss of one of our own,” said Capt. James Bates, Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Pacific. “Lt. Walker was an incredible naval aviator, husband and son. He was an integral member of the Vigilante family and his absence will be keenly felt on this flight line. Our aviators understand the risk associated with this profession and they knowingly accept it in service to our nation. The untimely loss of a fellow aviator and shipmate pains us all. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends.”

The pilot was on a routine training mission in the area at the time of the crash. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

The Navy mourns the loss of one of our own, and our hearts go out to the family and friends affected by this tragedy.


https://news.usni.org/2019/08/02/navy-identifies-pilot-killed-in-death-valley-super-hornet-crash

[Easy Street]

RIP Lt Moore.

Very sad news, although I'm not that surprised. Having watched a few videos over recent years it's apparent some pilots do take crazy risks and showboat for the assembled audience.

Indeed, and I hope it gives pause for thought for those who bellyache about restrictions placed on the Mach Loop by RAF seniors from time to time. A pilot and an audience are a dangerous combination.

[orca]

I disagree entirely with the notion that this tragedy is in anyway linked to pilots taking ‘crazy risks’ and ‘show boating’.

Anyone with any experience of the US low level rules and routes will know that they are actually very well supervised and, as in all countries that practice the skill of low flying, a balance is achieved between skill preservation and risk.

My thoughts are with family, friends and the professionals of The Vigilantes.

[Two's in]

Nobody here thinks this was anything other than an absolute tragedy, but a sadly familiar trawl through decades worth of accident investigations will show a clear connection between risk taking and the presence of spectators. Unfortunately the nature of the accident will almost certainly prevent the detection of any insidious system failures or cockpit distractions and it will probably end up as another CFIT statistic. The well publicized presence of spectators (some of whom were injured) will undoubtedly remain an unknown factor in this investigation.

Supervision is another factor that looks good on paper until an accident occurs, and only then is the effectiveness fully understood. Some very well publicized accidents and incidents recently have demonstrated that actual supervision was a thin veneer on top of an "immortal" cultural attitude that resulted in unnecessary risk taking. Effective supervision extends from the CO's office to the the most junior erk and changes the entire operating ethos of a flying unit. It's not a common thing.

[West Coast]

Not often I agree with TI, but I do. I’d add a few factors as well. Arrogance, contempt for rules (apply to others not me) and ineffective leadership. The result are the Bud Holland’s of the world. No idea if it was at play here but it can’t be discounted.

[tarantonight]

Clearly, the true cause of this accident will never be known. Whether driving vehicles at speed, or flying aircraft at speed, humans make mistakes sadly.

Looking at the impact scene from the image posted, and the spread (or lack of) of debris, I wonder if we are simply talking basic human error. I really don’t mean that in a negative way, but we all make honest mistakes - some have more drastic results than others.

Looking at the press release from the USN, the Pilot was clearly an experienced man. Let’s not forget that away from work he was probably just like the rest of us. RIP.

TN.

[Vilters]

It shows that this was an experienced pilot. He knew what he was doing. But this also shows that even the best can make a mistake or have bad luck.

A blinding reflection at the wrong moment, a second of distraction, a radio call that got his attention? We will never know.

Many housewives clean vegetables almost daily. And rarely, but from time to time they cut in their finger. What can you say about something like this?
RIP and condolences to the family.

[dead_pan]

Of course it could just be a coincidence that the crash happened where it did. My previous point was that some pilots 'do more' at such locations than they would ordinarily be doing at low level, which surely must bring additional risk. No doubt this will be considered in the investigation - given the number of witnesses there may well be footage of the incident.

[Two's in]

Not often I agree with TI, but I do. I’d add a few factors as well. Arrogance, contempt for rules (apply to others not me) and ineffective leadership. The result are the Bud Holland’s of the world. No idea if it was at play here but it can’t be discounted.

Westie, I like to think we keep other parts of the site more interesting with our 180 degree opposing views of the world, but at least on matters Aviation related we can often agree.

[BEagle]

West Coast, a sage post...:ok:

I'm not sure whether supervision is included within the terms of leadership in US forces, but to your list of issues referring to Holland's accident, I would add 'totally inadequate supervision'...

Of course this should not be considered relevant to the F/A-18 accident in question.

The dangers of pilots and cameras were a recurring theme on my Flying Supervisor's course...

[megan]

The dangers of pilots and cameras were a recurring theme on my Flying Supervisor's course Looking at close ups of Mach Loop and the Sidewinder route it's interesting the number of drivers who are eyeballing the cameras.

[melmothtw]

Quote:
It's arguable that the reason the fallout from Shoreham was so severe is that those killed were nothing to do with the airshow and just going about their business.

That and perhaps the Nanny State Mindset of the UK plays a role in such reactions.

We could learn from the Americans in that regard, and send 'thoughts and prayers' instead. Far more effective it seems.

This tragedy occurred in a very desolate area of the country with not much in the way of structures and people.

Notwithstanding the seven people on the ground who were injured.

[TBM-Legend]

Sometimes if you don't go to the edge you don't know where the edge is!

This is a sad event and will take sometime to evaluate a probable cause. Jumping to conclusions seems to be the only exercise some keyboard warriors get.

RIP fellow aviator....

[ORAC]

https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2020/05/22/inside-a-fatal-super-hornet-crash-in-star-wars-canyon/

Inside a fatal Super Hornet crash in Star Wars canyon

[dead_pan]

Cause unknown, as some posters suspected. It would be interesting to know how frequently aircraft use full afterburner at low-level in the training area, and whether there is an unusually high incidence of it being employed through Star Wars Canyon.

Incidentally I was in the US when this happened and drove past the Father Crowley Overlook just as the crash investigators were finishing up around a week later. Flying activity was apparently diminished but still taking place.

[dead_pan]

Looking at close ups of Mach Loop and the Sidewinder route it's interesting the number of drivers who are eyeballing the cameras.

Its well known that the 48FW often give a heads-up of planned transits through the Loop to ensure they get some pics for their album, particularly at the end of their tour.

[Airbubba]

From Navy Times, the text of the article linked above in case you get the paywall:

Inside a fatal Super Hornet crash in Star Wars canyon
Geoff Ziezulewicz (https://www.navytimes.com/author/geoff-ziezulewicz)

May 22, 2020

The July 31 crash took the life of Lt. Cmdr. Charles Z. Walker (https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2019/08/02/navy-identifies-pilot-killed-in-death-valley-crash/), 33, a pilot with Strike Fighter Squadron 151 (https://www.vfa151.navy.mil/).

Walker was a lieutenant at the time and was posthumously promoted.

“The flight profile created conditions where the processing time and subsequent reaction time required of the pilot made it difficult for the aircraft to exit the canyon safely,” the report states.

“The findings of this investigation should be widely shared as an example of the unforgiving nature of naval aviation and the fact that a brief lapse in judgement can produce catastrophic results.”

A command investigation into the mishap also reveals that seven French citizens were about 40 feet above where the jet crashed and suffered varying levels of burns requiring hospitalization.

“All survived and have, and/or are expected to, make full recoveries,” the investigator wrote in September.

Walker and his wingman took off that morning from nearby Naval Air Station Lemoore (https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2019/07/03/petty-officer-struck-and-killed-by-car-near-naval-air-station-lemoore/) and flew to a training space above the park in the Mojave Desert and toward the mouth of Star Wars canyon.

The investigator wrote that Walker was not current in low altitude training because he had not flown a minimum of 10 minutes in a low altitude environment in the past 30 days, so he was instructed to keep his jet at least 500 feet above ground level during that day’s training.

No evidence emerged that Walker was “flat-hatting” or flying at a low altitude for thrills, according to the report.

“LT Walker was considered to be the most proficient (low altitude training) pilot in the squadron,” the report states.

His chain of command reported that “the ‘low level’ flight was likely a favorite mission of LT Walker and that he was very thorough in his preparation.”

Walker entered the canyon from the west, descending through 4,000 feet and going roughly 630 mph “in full afterburner,” the report states.

His wingman didn’t see the crash.

“The wingman was in a hard right-hand pull at the time of impact and reversed left to roll wings level when he saw a huge ball of fire extending up in a column of fire and smoke” at about 9:43 a.m., the investigator wrote.

Seven French tourists were taking photographs near the Father Crowley Overlook on the south wall of Star Wars canyon when Walker crashed, according to the report.

Their names are redacted but the victims included a 57-year-old man, a 56-year-old women and five other men and women in their 20s.

“Upon impact, the French tourists began to run away from the explosion, but were unable to avoid the blast,” the investigator wrote. “All were treated for burn injuries of varying degrees.”

“I saw the fire and the debris fly toward us,” one of the tourists said via a translator. “We were all burned severely. We were very scared, but we are all alive.”

The National Parks Service (https://www.nps.gov/deva/learn/historyculture/military-flights-over-public-lands.htm) page for the Death Valley National Park notes that visitors may “not see or hear an aircraft approaching until it is directly overhead or nearby.”

“There could be a sudden roar which can be startling, followed by a possible split-second glimpse of a silhouette, then the aircraft is gone,” the page states.

Simulations later suggested that Walker was going too fast to pull up and escape the canyon before crashing.

“It is possible that LT Walker intended to fly through Star Wars canyon as most aircraft do—through the center of the canyon maneuvering to stay between and below the canyon walls until exiting to the east into the northern portion of the Panamint Valley,” the investigator wrote. “LT Walker may have attempted to turn level through the canyon, realized his turn radius would be too great to navigate safely due to his speed and attempted a vertical pull to exit the canyon.”

“Based on current information, we will never know what actually occurred,” the investigator wrote.

Walker was married with no children.

The report also refers all questions regarding compensation for the French tourists to the Navy’s claims and tort litigation branch of the Office of the Judge Advocate General.

Navy officials declined to say whether the U.S. government has covered their hospital bills or provided other compensation.

“During the period in which a claim can be filed, it would be inappropriate to comment on the receipt or the status of such a claim,” Lt. Samuel Boyle said in an email.

https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2020/05/22/inside-a-fatal-super-hornet-crash-in-star-wars-canyon/