Wed, Jun 14, 2006
Crew Did Not Use Proper Throttle, Flap Settings
The results of an investigation into the C-5 Galaxy crash at
Dover Air Force Base, Del., on April 3 found that human error was
the cause, Air Mobility Command officials at Scott Air Force Base
in Illinois stated Tuesday.
The accident investigation board determined the pilots and
flight engineers did not properly configure, maneuver and power the
aircraft during approach and landing.
Following a normal takeoff and initial climb the C-5 aircrew
observed a Number 2 engine "Thrust Reverser Not Locked" indication
light. They shut down the No. 2 engine as a precaution, and
returned to Dover AFB.
The board determined that during the return to the base:
- The pilots and flight engineers continued to use the shut-down
No. 2 engine’s throttle while leaving the fully-operational
No. 3 engine in idle.
- Both instructor and primary flight engineers failed to brief,
and pilots failed to consider and use, a proper flap setting.
- The pilots’ attempt at a visual approach to runway 32
resulted in the aircraft descending well below a normal glidepath
for an instrument-aided approach or the normal visual flight rules
pattern altitude.
- The aircraft commander failed to give a complete approach
briefing that would have included non-standard factors,
configuration, landing distance and missed approach
intentions.
As Aero-News reported, all 17
people on board the C-5 survived the crash... but three crewmembers
were seriously injured when the aircraft stalled, hit a utility
pole and crashed into a field about a mile short of the runway. The
other passengers and crewmembers sustained minor injures and were
treated and released from local hospitals.
The aircraft was assigned to the 436th Airlift Wing and was
flown by members of the 512th Airlift Wing, a Reserve associate
unit at Dover. It was bound for Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and was
carrying 105,000 pounds of replenishment supplies for the US
Central Command area of responsibility when it went down.
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