March Mishap: Complacency Contributed

Air Force investigators have determined that pilot error caused a T-38A Talon to crash March 8 near Eglin Air Force Base (FL).

The pilot ejected from the aircraft and sustained minor injuries. The aircraft, assigned to the 7th Combat Training Squadron at Holloman AFB (NM), was part of a two-ship cross-country navigation/instrument proficiency training mission at the time of the accident.

According to the Air Combat Command accident investigation report released June 27, the cause of the mishap was the pilot's failure to adequately monitor his airspeed during the final approach to landing. On final approach to Eglin AFB, the flight leader directed the wingman, the mishap pilot, to slow to final approach airspeed while he flew at a higher airspeed to obtain the required spacing between aircraft for landing. The mishap pilot then permitted his airspeed to decrease to the point that the aircraft stalled and crashed short of the runway.

According to investigators, substantial evidence showed that complacency contributed to the mishap. Neither pilot adequately assessed the challenges presented by the weather, and both made poor decisions leading to the mishap.

The aircraft, which was destroyed in the crash, was valued at $3.8 million. Two houses were also substantially damaged. There were no injuries to anyone on the ground.

[Thanks to Air Combat Command News Service --ed.]

FMI: www.af.mil