AF releases findings on HH-60G accident near Kadena AB

  • Published

Pacific Air Forces officials released the results Jan. 21, of its investigation into an HH-60G Pave Hawk aircraft mishap which occurred Aug. 5, 2013, northeast of Kadena Air Base, Japan.

Gen. Hawk Carlisle, the Pacific Air Forces commander, directed an investigation into the incident which resulted in the death of one Airman, injuries to three others in the aircraft, and destruction of the aircraft totaling more than $38 million.

The Accident Investigation Board found by clear and convincing evidence that the cause of the mishap was that the mishap pilot, based upon his perception of a potential for a mid-air collision with the formation wingman, maneuvered his aircraft at low altitude in a manner that resulted in excessive altitude loss and his inability to stop the helicopter's descent prior to ground impact.

Brig. Gen. Steven Basham served as the Accident Investigation Board president. Basham is the director of Strategy, Plans, and Programs, Pacific Air Forces at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. Basham is a command pilot with more than 3,400 flight hours, to include the B-1 Lancer, B-2 Spirit, B-52 Stratofortress, T-38 Talon, and T-37 Tweet aircraft.

For a copy of the Accident Investigation Board report, visit: www.pacaf.af.mil/library/publicreports/index.asp

(Information courtesy of Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs)