C-21 Accident Investigation Board completed

  • Published
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (AFNEWS) --  Air Mobility Command released the results of its investigation into the Oct. 2, 2006, C-21A aircraft accident at Decatur Airport, Ill. The aircraft was assigned to the Air Force Flight Standards Agency in Oklahoma City.

The Accident Investigation Board, convened by AMC, determined that the primary cause of the mishap was the aircrew's failure to take appropriate action. The aircrew consisted of a pilot and an instructor pilot.

Prior to the accident, the mishap pilot was undergoing aircraft commander upgrade training, flying a simulated single-engine approach to the runway (simulating the loss of the #2 engine). During the landing, the aircraft became unstable after the mishap pilot reduced power to the #1 engine.

The mishap pilot recognized the problem and attempted to go-around, but failed to use both engines as directed in Air Force Instruction 11-2C-21, Volume 3, AFFSA supplement. The aircraft rolled to the right and the aircrew was unable to recover; the right wingtip tank made contact with the runway and the aircraft slid across the grassy infield.

The AIB determined that the mishap pilot got into a slow-speed situation in the C-21 with which he was unfamiliar and he was unable to take the correct actions. Also, while the mishap instructor pilot recognized the mishap pilot's mistake, he also failed to take the appropriate action to correct the situation. According to the AIB report, while the mishap instructor pilot recognized the airspeed deviation, he did not assume control of the aircraft nor ensure both engines were used as directed in AFI 11-2C-21, Volume 3, AFFSA supplement.

The primary purpose of the AIB was to gather and preserve evidence for claims, litigation, and disciplinary and administrative actions.

(Courtesy of Air Mobility Command Public Affairs)

Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link)

Click here to view the comments/letters page