Mechanical Failure Caused Loss of Plane

Air Force investigators have determined trapped external fuel because of an aircraft malfunction and the pilot’s failure to properly monitor his fuel status were the causes of an F-16 Fighting Falcon crash in Iraq on June 12.

The aircraft was assigned to the 421st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and deployed from the 421st Fighter Squadron at Hill Air Force Base, Utah.

The pilot had been flying a close-air support mission when, after more than five hours into the mission, the aircraft engine failed. The pilot ejected safely. The aircraft was destroyed with an estimated value of $26.8 million. There was no other damage to military or civilian property.

According to the Air Combat Command Accident Investigation Report released Dec. 4, the trapped fuel was caused by one of three things. It was either a malfunctioning external vent and pressurization valve, a combination of a malfunctioning right external refuel/transfer shutoff valve and malfunctioning external fuel transfer override float switch, or a malfunctioning external fuel transfer override relay.

Investigators found that the engine’s power loss was because of fuel starvation. The pilot failed to notice the fuel on the aircraft was trapped in the external tanks. Additionally, he failed to follow checklist procedures and to properly prioritize fuel checks throughout the flight.

FMI: www.af.mil