F-16 Fighting Falcon News

April 12, 2006 (by ACCNS) - A tire failure caused an F-16C aircraft to depart the runway upon landing at Balad Air Base, Iraq, Oct. 9, 2005, according to an aircraft accident investigation report released April 12.
There were no injuries in the incident and damage was limited to the aircraft's Theater Airborne Reconnaissance System pod, an advanced medium range air-to-air missile and its left main landing gear. Total damage is estimated at $7.3 million.

The aircraft (#88-0404), assigned to the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing and deployed from the 482nd Fighter Wing, Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla., was returning from a close-air-support mission at the time of the incident.

The incident happened on touchdown when the left rubber outer tire layer separated from the main landing gear and the aluminum rim locked and started grinding down into the runway, eventually making the aircraft veer to the left approximately 100 feet off the runway.

Investigators concluded the tire's failure caused the incident, with inadequate maintenance a contributing factor. Maintenance Airmen deviated from the requirement to change the main landing gear tires after 20 landings or when tires reach their maximum wear limit, whichever occurs first. The tire failed on its 22nd landing.

For more information, contact the Air Combat Command Public Affairs office at (757) 764-5007 or acc.pam@langley.af.mil.