F-15 Crashes in Pacific
Reports indicate a US Air Force F-15 Eagle based in Kadena crashed off Japan. The pilot ejected and has been safely recovered.
As with all such incidents, the Air Force will investigate over the next few months.
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Tag Archives: crash
Air Force Identifies Airmen Killed in KC-135 Crash
The Air Force has identified the three Airmen killed in Friday’s crash of a KC-135 in Kyrgyzstan.
Capt. Mark T. Voss, 27, of Colorado Springs, Colo.,
Capt. Victoria A. Pinckney, 27, of Palmdale, Calif., and
Tech Sgt. Herman Mackey III, 30, of Bakersfield, Calif.
They were apparently a Fairchild AFB-based crew.
Also at AF.mil.
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Reports: USAF KC-135 Crashes in Kyrgyzstan
Initial reports indicate (and Air Force sources reportedly confirm) a US Air Force KC-135 has crashed after takeoff from Manas, Kyrgyzstan, which is a transit hub for US forces in Afghanistan.
Five people were on board, said Elmira Shyrypova, at the Kyrgyz Emergencies Ministry press office. The U.S. military didn’t give the number of those on the plane and said “the status of the crew is unknown.”
Purported photos of the crash site show KC-135 wing parts and a McConnell AFB tail flash.
KC-135s can carry cargo and are also refuelers for the many fighter aircraft supporting combat operations in Afghanistan.
Also at FoxNews.
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Air Force Identifies Pilot Killed in Afghanistan
The US Air Force identified the F-16 pilot killed in Afghanistan last week as Capt James Steel, a 2006 US Air Force Academy graduate and Shaw Air Force Base pilot.
The F-16 reportedly crashed while on a night final approach to Bagram Air Base after his fragged sortie. News reports do not indicate a family, other than his father, retired MajGen Robert Steel.
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F-16 Crashes in Afghanistan, Pilot Killed
An American F-16 has reportedly crashed in Afghanistan, killing the pilot. The ISAF release noted only that a plane had crashed, though other news sources identified the nationality as US:
A U.S. military pilot was killed when his F-16 fighter jet crashed while on a night flight over mountainous terrain in Afghanistan, officials said Thursday.
The articles seem to indicate it was not likely a result of hostile fire.
His identity has been withheld pending notification of next of kin.
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Air Force Updates F-22 Crash Response
The US Air Force took the unusual step of issuing a follow-up press release on the crash of a Tyndall F-22 last week. Normally, the initial announcement, accompanied by the ominous “a board of officers will investigate…” is the last word heard.
Despite initial media speculation, there are no indications that point to the life support system leading to this incident or playing any role in this crash. A thorough investigation is being conducted in accordance with standard Air Force and Department of Defense policy…
In this case, the Air Force appears to be a intentionally responding to speculation, apparently to squash possible connections to the recent “scandals” over F-22 safety.
F-22 Crashes in Florida, Pilot Ejects
An F-22 has crashed near Tyndall AFB, Florida. The pilot was reportedly able to safely eject, and no one on the ground was hurt.
As with all incidents, the Air Force will investigate it and report on it in some months. Notably, this one will likely draw significant attention, both due to recent “scandals” with F-22 safety and the relative cost of each of the less than 187 aircraft. Actually, make that 186.
F-15E Crash Blamed on Engine Malfunction
The Air Force has reportedly concluded the May 2012 loss of an F-15E in “Southwest Asia” was due to an engine malfunction.
The right engine caught on fire due to a “rare ignition of the titanium components within the engine,” according to the investigation, which was released by Air Combat Command on Wednesday. Investigators could not determine what sparked the fire.
Both crewmembers successfully ejected.