Officials release Kandahar C-17 accident investigation report Published May 8, 2009 SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (AFNS) -- Air Mobility Command officials here May 8 released the results of its investigation into the Dec. 3, 2008, mishap involving a C-17 Globemaster III at Kandahar Air Base, Afghanistan. Following an uneventful flight from Germany to Kandahar AB, the mishap aircraft entered its final parking spot and the aircraft commander, who was sitting in the right seat, shut down all four engines by turning "off" the engine shutoff switches prior to calling for the engine shutdown checklist. According to the Accident Investigation Board president, when the aircrew accomplished the engine shutdown checklist, there is clear and convincing evidence that the second pilot -- not realizing that the engines had been shut down -- inadvertently turned the engine shutoff switches back to the "on" position. This caused the mishap by reintroducing fuel into the hot engines, resulting in tailpipe fires on all four engines. The AIB, convened by AMC officials, concluded that three factors substantially contributed to the mishap. First, the crew did not follow technical order guidance, which provides that the pilot in the left seat shuts down the engines. Second, the shutoff switches were poorly marked. Finally, although the aircrew complied with crew rest requirements, aircrew fatigue also contributed to the mishap. During the mishap, three of the aircraft's engines and an auxiliary power unit sustained damage. There were no fatalities, injuries or damage to other property. Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) View the comments/letters page