The Air Force released two investigation reports blaming pilots for two separate F-16 crashes this year.
In the first, Capt Lucas Gruenther was killed when he ejected from his F-16 during a night training sortie over the Adriatic Sea. The Air Force said:
The board president, Brig. Gen. Derek P. Rydholm, found clear and convincing evidence that the pilot Read more
The two-man crew of a T-38C at Sheppard AFB ejected with minor injuries on Friday. As with the prior F-16 mishap a few weeks ago, there are already reports that the jet was downed by a birdstrike. One of the pilots reportedly descended through the fireball.
The Air Force took the unusual approach of rapidly identifying the crew:
Maj. Christopher Thompson was instructing a member of the German Air Force, identified…as 1st Lt. Julius Dressbach.
As with all mishaps, the Air Force will investigate and report on its outcome. Until then, a video of the wreckage has already made the internet.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
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.
A US Air Force F-16 crashed in the Pacific Ocean on Sunday; the pilot safely ejected. It was apparently part of a flight from Japan to the United States — meaning it was far from home (and potentially land) when the pilot ejected. That may explain why he spent 6 hours in the water and was eventually picked up by a commercial — not military — vessel.
With various controversies ongoing over crashing Ospreys and the presence of Marines, the US was quick to praise the alliance with Japan that aided in the pilot’s recovery.
As with every other aircraft incident, the Air Force will investigate to determine the cause over the next month or so.
Admiral John Harvey, the four-star admiral commanding US Fleet Forces Command, had an interesting characterization of the Friday F/A-18D Hornet crash into an apartment complex in Virginia Beach:
“I don’t speak for anybody’s religious beliefs, but the mayor and I both agreed that if you want to define a miracle, what happened here yesterday meets that definition for me,” Adm. John Harvey, the four-star head of the U.S. Fleet Forces Command, told reporters.
He also noted the many prayers for the community: Read more
Capt Francis Imlay was killed in Southwest Asia in the crash of his F-15E Strike Eagle. Reports indicate a second crewmember, normally a backseat WSO/CSO in the Strike Eagle, sustained minor injuries. The aircraft was reportedly deployed from Mountain Home AFB in Idaho.
Interestingly, none of the brief announcements to date indicate the crew ejected.
As usual, a board will convene to investigate the crash.
A US Air Force F-16 based out of Osan Air Base, Korea, crashed on Wednesday. The pilot was reportedly “safe” after ejecting.
An Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed near Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, during a routine training mission at approximately March 21.
The aircraft, assigned to the 36th Fighter Squadron here, was flying a mission as part of the 51st Fighter Wing’s ongoing exercise.
As usual, a board will investigate for about a month. An accident report will likely make its way to the general public several months from now.
Also noted at FoxNews and the Air Force Times.