Two A-10s & one other aircraft lost out of Nellis
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Two A-10s & one other aircraft lost out of Nellis
Yesterday it was announced that two A-10s had crashed in the Nevada Test and Training Range on Wednesday evening. Both pilots ejected and it sounds like they were not seriously injured.
http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/mi...ining-mission/
Today it was announced that one aircraft had crashed on Tuesday evening. At this time, USAF is not providing any other information about the crash, saying that specifics are classified. Unfortunately, the pilot was killed.
http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/mi...f-nellis-base/
RIP
http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/mi...ining-mission/
Today it was announced that one aircraft had crashed on Tuesday evening. At this time, USAF is not providing any other information about the crash, saying that specifics are classified. Unfortunately, the pilot was killed.
http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/mi...f-nellis-base/
RIP
Unknown ‘classified’ aircraft type lost at or near Area 51
The fact that an aircraft accident has occurred is usually released immediately. Unusually it was three days before the USAF admitted that it had lost a still unidentified aircraft at “around 6:00 PM’ on Tuesday 5 September, during a training mission on the Nevada Test and Training Range.
Details of the accident remain sketchy, and Major Christina Sukach, chief of public affairs for the 99 Air Base Wing at Nellis, said that: “Information about the type of aircraft involved is classified and not releasable,” though it was admitted that the aircraft was assigned to Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC). This would make it likely to have been a test aircraft of some kind – perhaps simply an F-16 or F-35 assigned to test duties, or possibly a classified prototype or a foreign aircraft type under evaluation, or in use for adversary training.
"I can definitely say it was not an F-35," General Dave Goldfein, US Air Force Chief of Staff of the Air Force, reportedly told Militarydotcom
The 53rd TEG’s Detachment 3 is understood to be the operator of the Su-27s and MiG-29s used by the USAF for foreign material exploitation and associated training, and, according to the USAF, “maintains an active involvement with AFMC.” Though the 53rd TEG it is not formally assigned to Air Force Materiel Command, the Russian aircraft used by Detachment 3 may be owned by AFMC. Det 3 is the successor to the 4477th TES or Red Eagles squadron that operated the USAF’s secret fleet of MiG-17s, MiG-21s and MiG-23s.
Well-placed sources have stated that the aircraft involved in the accident was categorically not a MiG or Sukhoi operated by the 53rd TEG.
Nellis Air Force Base said that the cause was under investigation and that additional information about the accident would be released at a later date.
A Nellis spokesperson implied that the delay in reporting the accident reflected the focus that had rightly been placed on search and recovery efforts and on notifying next-of-kin.
The location was given as being “about 100 miles northwest of Nellis AFB” – which, perhaps not entirely coincidentally, is also a good description of the location of the top secret Groom Lake test airfield – popularly known as Area 51.
It was reported that the pilot involved, Lieutenant Colonel Eric ‘Doc’ Schultz, 44, had died as a result of injuries sustained in the accident, though Major Sukach said that it was “unclear as to whether Schultz had died at the crash site.” Another Nellis spokesperson, Tech. Sgt. Siuta Ika confirmed that Lt. Col. Eric Schultz had been piloting the aircraft when it crashed, but said that it was unknown whether other people were on board at the time of the crash.
Though Colonel Schultz’s unit assignment has not been released, some details of his stellar career have been revealed.
As a young boy Eric Schultz dreamed of becoming an Astronaut, but poor eyesight led to three rejections from the US military (five according to one press source) after he graduated from Annapolis High School in 1991, although he earned his private pilot’s license at the age of 19.
As a freshman at Pennsylvania State University, he was turned away from the Reserve Officer Training Program but was denied due to poor eyesight. While still at University, Schultz took a civilian job with the Navy as a rotary wing flight test engineer.
Schultz subsequently worked as a business development director for an aerospace company (at Pratt & Whitney’s Seattle Aerosciences Center) and took multiple college degrees (six according to one report), graduating with a master’s degree in aeronautics in 1997 (possibly sponsored by the Department of Defense) from the University of Washington, and gaining a master’s degree in business administration from Penn State University before receiving a doctorate in aerospace engineering from the California Institute of Technology in 2000.
His master’s work included research on a ram accelerator, a gun-like device designed to launch payloads into exo-atmospheric orbital flight.
In 2001, after the Air Force began accepting pilots who had undergone corrective laser eye surgery, Schultz was able to join the USAF as a pilot, initially serving as a flying instructor.
In 2006, while flying F-15E Strike Eagles with the 391st Fighter Squadron (“Bold Tigers”) at Mountain Home Air Force Base he was listed as one of the year’s Ten Outstanding Young Americans – an honour previously meted out to Presidents John F. Kennedy and Bill Clinton. As an F-15E pilot he more than 50 close air support missions in Afghanistan.
At that time, Schultz still aspired to becoming an astronaut, saying that while he loved flying jets, his goal remained to be in space, though he also said that: “As long as I'm enjoying what I'm doing, and I'm contributing positively, that's all that counts."
In pursuit of his ultimate goal of becoming an astronaut he attended the USAF Test Pilot’s School as soon as he was able - earning his place in four and a half years, when it would normally take about eight years.
Schultz served as the Director of Operations for the Canadian Forces Flight Test Center while on an exchange tour and undertook systems engineering work for the Airborne Laser program.
On 15 September 2011, then-Captain Schultz became the 28th pilot to qualify to fly the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. He reportedly flew more than 210 missions flight testing the F-35 and CF-18.
Details of the accident remain sketchy, and Major Christina Sukach, chief of public affairs for the 99 Air Base Wing at Nellis, said that: “Information about the type of aircraft involved is classified and not releasable,” though it was admitted that the aircraft was assigned to Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC). This would make it likely to have been a test aircraft of some kind – perhaps simply an F-16 or F-35 assigned to test duties, or possibly a classified prototype or a foreign aircraft type under evaluation, or in use for adversary training.
"I can definitely say it was not an F-35," General Dave Goldfein, US Air Force Chief of Staff of the Air Force, reportedly told Militarydotcom
The 53rd TEG’s Detachment 3 is understood to be the operator of the Su-27s and MiG-29s used by the USAF for foreign material exploitation and associated training, and, according to the USAF, “maintains an active involvement with AFMC.” Though the 53rd TEG it is not formally assigned to Air Force Materiel Command, the Russian aircraft used by Detachment 3 may be owned by AFMC. Det 3 is the successor to the 4477th TES or Red Eagles squadron that operated the USAF’s secret fleet of MiG-17s, MiG-21s and MiG-23s.
Well-placed sources have stated that the aircraft involved in the accident was categorically not a MiG or Sukhoi operated by the 53rd TEG.
Nellis Air Force Base said that the cause was under investigation and that additional information about the accident would be released at a later date.
A Nellis spokesperson implied that the delay in reporting the accident reflected the focus that had rightly been placed on search and recovery efforts and on notifying next-of-kin.
The location was given as being “about 100 miles northwest of Nellis AFB” – which, perhaps not entirely coincidentally, is also a good description of the location of the top secret Groom Lake test airfield – popularly known as Area 51.
It was reported that the pilot involved, Lieutenant Colonel Eric ‘Doc’ Schultz, 44, had died as a result of injuries sustained in the accident, though Major Sukach said that it was “unclear as to whether Schultz had died at the crash site.” Another Nellis spokesperson, Tech. Sgt. Siuta Ika confirmed that Lt. Col. Eric Schultz had been piloting the aircraft when it crashed, but said that it was unknown whether other people were on board at the time of the crash.
Though Colonel Schultz’s unit assignment has not been released, some details of his stellar career have been revealed.
As a young boy Eric Schultz dreamed of becoming an Astronaut, but poor eyesight led to three rejections from the US military (five according to one press source) after he graduated from Annapolis High School in 1991, although he earned his private pilot’s license at the age of 19.
As a freshman at Pennsylvania State University, he was turned away from the Reserve Officer Training Program but was denied due to poor eyesight. While still at University, Schultz took a civilian job with the Navy as a rotary wing flight test engineer.
Schultz subsequently worked as a business development director for an aerospace company (at Pratt & Whitney’s Seattle Aerosciences Center) and took multiple college degrees (six according to one report), graduating with a master’s degree in aeronautics in 1997 (possibly sponsored by the Department of Defense) from the University of Washington, and gaining a master’s degree in business administration from Penn State University before receiving a doctorate in aerospace engineering from the California Institute of Technology in 2000.
His master’s work included research on a ram accelerator, a gun-like device designed to launch payloads into exo-atmospheric orbital flight.
In 2001, after the Air Force began accepting pilots who had undergone corrective laser eye surgery, Schultz was able to join the USAF as a pilot, initially serving as a flying instructor.
In 2006, while flying F-15E Strike Eagles with the 391st Fighter Squadron (“Bold Tigers”) at Mountain Home Air Force Base he was listed as one of the year’s Ten Outstanding Young Americans – an honour previously meted out to Presidents John F. Kennedy and Bill Clinton. As an F-15E pilot he more than 50 close air support missions in Afghanistan.
At that time, Schultz still aspired to becoming an astronaut, saying that while he loved flying jets, his goal remained to be in space, though he also said that: “As long as I'm enjoying what I'm doing, and I'm contributing positively, that's all that counts."
In pursuit of his ultimate goal of becoming an astronaut he attended the USAF Test Pilot’s School as soon as he was able - earning his place in four and a half years, when it would normally take about eight years.
Schultz served as the Director of Operations for the Canadian Forces Flight Test Center while on an exchange tour and undertook systems engineering work for the Airborne Laser program.
On 15 September 2011, then-Captain Schultz became the 28th pilot to qualify to fly the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. He reportedly flew more than 210 missions flight testing the F-35 and CF-18.
Last edited by Jackonicko; 10th Sep 2017 at 18:27.
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F-35 involved? Maybe and maybe not, Rhino power. From your source:
I'd say give it another day or two ...
@Jackonicko: is that all your own work, or did you cut and paste from a news article? What's your source? (Link or publication title would be nice; or was it from one of the links in the first post? )
It would appear that the test pilot business is still hazardous.
While there is no official information reporting what aircraft Lt. Col. Schultz was flying at the time of Tuesday’s crash, the only available photos of Lt. Col. Schultz show him in the cockpit of an F-35A (needless to say, meanwhile he may have moved to another program..)
@Jackonicko: is that all your own work, or did you cut and paste from a news article? What's your source? (Link or publication title would be nice; or was it from one of the links in the first post? )
It would appear that the test pilot business is still hazardous.
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Agree with Jacko and others that the vague and type of wording suggests a black or foreign aircraft, not a F-35. If it had been a F-16, aggressor, or even F-35 think that would have been known by now. Sounds much like the initial releases on the 2 early F-117 crashes and General Bond in the MiG-23.
Salute to Lt Col Schultz and family.
Salute to Lt Col Schultz and family.
Last edited by sandiego89; 9th Sep 2017 at 15:36.
Lonewolf:
It's a synthesis of all the news pieces that I could find on the accident and Colonel Schultz.
I can't imagine any reason why they wouldn't just say: "It was an F-35/F-16" had it been one of those. The Foreign aircraft aren't technically AFMC…...
It's a synthesis of all the news pieces that I could find on the accident and Colonel Schultz.
I can't imagine any reason why they wouldn't just say: "It was an F-35/F-16" had it been one of those. The Foreign aircraft aren't technically AFMC…...
@Jacko: roger. I agree with your caution regarding aircraft type: likely an experimental craft?
@SanDiego:
Ahora usted vuela con los ángeles, Colonel, nuestra compadre.
@SanDiego:
Salute to Lt Col Schultz and family.
Reminds me of how they concealed the early F-117 crash, so probably either a Red Eagle Su-27 or an Aurora, hold on I'll be right back there's someone knocking on the door...
Last edited by Fonsini; 9th Sep 2017 at 20:22.
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USAF CoS says:
"UPDATE: Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein says the aircraft involved in the deadly crash was not an F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. "I can definitely say it was not an F-35," he said." https://www.facebook.com/Militarydot...55294835384270 & https://twitter.com/Oriana0214/statu...28892344848387
"Reminds me of how they concealed the early F-117 crash". Not to forget the loss of Mark Postai and Barry Bond in Constant Peg MiG-23s - both subject to disinformation in the aftermath of the accidents. Condolences to Lt Col Shultz's family, he was doubtless involved in a highly important program.
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Please forgive intrusion from civil side:-
Cannot verify the accuracy of this, but a post on 20th August 2017 on the FighterControl forum suggested that something was going on at Tonopah involving F-117's:-
F117 aircraft ? FighterControl ? Home to the Military Aviation Enthusiast
I cannot see any reason why DoD should be so secretive now if a F-117 was involved; it has never denied that F-117's are still in flyable storage, although it was my understanding that in May 2016 the suits had authorised the F-117 programme/storage to be closed once and for all.
Although the FighterControl post states that F-117's were active, and I would think that the local populace of Tonopah would be familiar with the shape and sound with it, perhaps it was something else operating out of there.
In any case, it appears that the USAF has been robbed of a talented aviator. A fund has been started on youcaring.com for his family.
Cannot verify the accuracy of this, but a post on 20th August 2017 on the FighterControl forum suggested that something was going on at Tonopah involving F-117's:-
F117 aircraft ? FighterControl ? Home to the Military Aviation Enthusiast
I cannot see any reason why DoD should be so secretive now if a F-117 was involved; it has never denied that F-117's are still in flyable storage, although it was my understanding that in May 2016 the suits had authorised the F-117 programme/storage to be closed once and for all.
Although the FighterControl post states that F-117's were active, and I would think that the local populace of Tonopah would be familiar with the shape and sound with it, perhaps it was something else operating out of there.
In any case, it appears that the USAF has been robbed of a talented aviator. A fund has been started on youcaring.com for his family.
Last edited by OMG Itz Fulovstarz; 9th Sep 2017 at 21:30. Reason: Grammar!
and I would think that the local populace of Tonopah would be familiar with the shape and sound with it, perhaps it was something else operating out of there.
How long did it take before the truth was known on the type of aircraft Gen Bond was flying?
Watch this space is a decade or so for an update.
The F117's were shown to be still active in 2015 when a pair were pictured in formation, a second picture was shown of them with a Tanker. The supposition is that at least 4 are flying again.
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An obituary for Lt Col Schultz 
:
Lt Schultz Obituary - Annapolis, MD | The Capital Gazette
More in this newspaper article:
Annapolis native killed in Nevada flight crash remembered as humble, curious and caring - Baltimore Sun
:Lt Schultz Obituary - Annapolis, MD | The Capital Gazette
More in this newspaper article:
Annapolis native killed in Nevada flight crash remembered as humble, curious and caring
Rachael Pacella
Staff Writer
A U.S. Air Force pilot and Annapolis native who died Tuesday in a crash in Nevada was both a dedicated service member and a dedicated father and son, loved ones said Saturday.
Lt. Col. Eric Schultz, 44, died as the result of a crash that occurred shortly after 6 p.m. Pacific Time Tuesday while flying an undisclosed aircraft during a training mission on the Nevada Test and Training Range, about 100 miles northwest of Nellis Air Force Base, officials said in a statement. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
Schultz was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base at the time and living with his wife and children in Henderson, Nevada, a friend and fellow veteran Mike Whitehead said.
Schultz’s father Larry Schultz and Whitehead described him as humble, caring and curious.
“He wowed us so many times over the years, it almost became routine,” his father said.
Schultz was a combat veteran U.S. Air Force Test Pilot who served more than 2,000 hours flying various aircraft, friends and family wrote in a obituary submitted to The Capital. He held six degrees, including a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering from the California Institute of Technology and a master’s degree in business administration from Penn State University.
He was rejected from the Air Force three times in a 10 year period due to vision problems, during which he earned his Ph.D. In 2001 the Air Force began accepting pilots who have undergone corrective eye surgery — Eric dropped everything and joined, his father said.
Despite his accomplishments, Schultz maintained his humility.
“If you met him in a social environment, you would never know whether he was a Ph.D. or a pilot,” Schultz said.
Rachael Pacella
Staff Writer
A U.S. Air Force pilot and Annapolis native who died Tuesday in a crash in Nevada was both a dedicated service member and a dedicated father and son, loved ones said Saturday.
Lt. Col. Eric Schultz, 44, died as the result of a crash that occurred shortly after 6 p.m. Pacific Time Tuesday while flying an undisclosed aircraft during a training mission on the Nevada Test and Training Range, about 100 miles northwest of Nellis Air Force Base, officials said in a statement. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
Schultz was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base at the time and living with his wife and children in Henderson, Nevada, a friend and fellow veteran Mike Whitehead said.
Schultz’s father Larry Schultz and Whitehead described him as humble, caring and curious.
“He wowed us so many times over the years, it almost became routine,” his father said.
Schultz was a combat veteran U.S. Air Force Test Pilot who served more than 2,000 hours flying various aircraft, friends and family wrote in a obituary submitted to The Capital. He held six degrees, including a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering from the California Institute of Technology and a master’s degree in business administration from Penn State University.
He was rejected from the Air Force three times in a 10 year period due to vision problems, during which he earned his Ph.D. In 2001 the Air Force began accepting pilots who have undergone corrective eye surgery — Eric dropped everything and joined, his father said.
Despite his accomplishments, Schultz maintained his humility.
“If you met him in a social environment, you would never know whether he was a Ph.D. or a pilot,” Schultz said.