Report: Pilot’s failure to follow procedures caused F-16 crash

  • Published
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (AFPN) --  A pilot's failure to follow standard F-16 Fighting Falcon operations procedures caused a D-model F-16 to crash short of the runway at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., on March 18, Air Force officials said June 30.

The incident happened when the pilot, assigned to Nellis' 57th Wing, was returning to the base following an in-flight emergency in which the throttle became stuck in the afterburner mode. While preparing for a straight-in flameout approach, the engine stalled short of the runway, forcing the pilot to eject. He sustained only minor scratches on landing. The $22.7 million aircraft was destroyed.

According to the Air Combat Command Accident Investigation Board report, the pilot failed to follow standard F-16 operations procedures by allowing items, including a large metal briefcase, to be strapped in the unoccupied rear cockpit seat. A maintainer strapped these items in the rear seat, with the pilot's permission, just before initial engine start. The items shifted during takeoff and the briefcase jammed against the throttle in the full afterburner position.

There is also “clear and convincing evidence” the pilot did not properly respond to the stuck throttle condition, officials said. Once the pilot obtained altitude and airspeed within the flameout landing parameters, he did not maintain a position that would enable him to land the aircraft on the runway in the event the engine failed. (Courtesy of ACC News Service)