Air Force investigators have determined that engine failure caused a U-2 "Dragon Lady" surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft to crash January 26 near Osan Air Base, South Korea.

The pilot ejected from the aircraft and sustained only minor injuries. The U-2 was assigned to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale Air Force Base (CA). The aircraft was participating in a high-altitude mission at the time of the accident.

According to the Air Combat Command Accident Investigation Report released June 19, the primary cause of the mishap was catastrophic failure of the No. 4 bearing, resulting in engine failure. The pilot glided the aircraft to the vicinity of the air base in an attempt to land. Deteriorating weather conditions and an unsuccessful restart attempt forced the pilot to eject seconds before the aircraft hit the ground.

The aircraft was destroyed, and three Koreans were injured. Additionally, a house and two heavy-equipment machines were destroyed. A gas station, pharmaceutical company building and several vehicles were also damaged.

[Thanks to ACC News Service --ed.]

FMI: www.af.mil