FROM: U.S. AIR FORCE
MQ-1B Predator accident report released
4/9/2013 - LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. -- Shortly after losing its satellite data link Sept. 18, 2012, an MQ-1 B Predator crashed in a U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, according to an Air Combat Command Accident Investigation Board report released today.
Based on the limited recovered wreckage and other available evidence, the actual cause of the power loss could not be determined by clear and convincing evidence. The board president, however, stated it is possible the crash was preceded by a catastrophic power loss. Other possible causes were ruled out on the basis of the available evidence.
The mishap crew was assigned to the 432d Wing at Creech Air Force Base, Nev. The mishap remotely piloted aircraft was destroyed with a total loss valued at approximately $4.4 million. There were no injuries or damage to government or private property.
According to the Accident Investigation Board report, the mishap remotely piloted aircraft satellite data link disconnected. The mishap pilot ran the appropriate checklist, but was unsuccessful in reestablishing a satellite link. The mishap remotely piloted aircraft impacted approximately 3.25 nautical miles south-southwest of the point where the link was lost.
The accident investigation board president determined that evidence rules out anomalies with the ground control station, mishap crew, maintenance and weather.
F-16C accident report released
4/9/2013 - LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. -- The pilot's failure to recover the aircraft from an inverted stall, complacency and errors in applying recovery procedures led to an F-16C Fighting Falcon crash Dec. 27, 2012, according to an Air Combat Command Accident Investigation Board report released today. The aircraft departed controlled flight during a training mission, and crashed on government land approximately 84 nautical miles east of Fresno, Calif.
The aircraft belonged to the 144th Fighter Wing stationed at Fresno Air National Guard Base and was operated by the 194th Fighter Squadron. The pilot assigned to the 194th FS and participated in an air-to-air training mission.
According to the results of the accident investigation, the pilot failed to properly recover the aircraft from a high-pitch, low airspeed state, resulting in an inverted deep stall. In addition, the pilot failed to properly apply out-of-control recovery procedures and was unable to recover the aircraft before ejection. The board president found three human factors primarily responsible for the accident: complacency evident throughout the entire flight; pressing the equipment beyond reasonable limits; and procedural error in the last few minutes of flight.
Based on the evidence, the board president also found other human factors that substantially contributed to the accident: lack of discipline, improper seating and restraints, sensory illusions, unrecognized spatial disorientation, channelized attention, and error due to disorientation.
The accident aircraft was destroyed upon impact with a loss valued at approximately $21.4 million. There were no military or civilian personnel injured, and there was only superficial landscape damage to government property.
The purpose of and accident investigation board is to provide commanders and other officials with a comprehensive look at the factors contributing to an accident. The report does not suggest or recommend any actions related to accountability or liability, although such options are available to commanders under applicable laws and regulations.
