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F-16 Fighting Falcon News

Hill F-16CG damaged because of failure to follow checklist procedures

October 8, 2003 (by Lieven Dewitte) - An F-16 pilot's failure to follow emergency checklist procedures for a failed hydraulic pump caused the F-16CG Fighting Falcon he was taxiing to collide with a parked F-16 at a forward-operating location June 15.

Nose section of USAF F-16C block 40 #88-0421 who crashed into F-16C block 40 #88-0516 at Al Udeid AB, Qatar on June 15th, 2003.

The aircraft (#88-0421), assigned to the 388th Fighter Wing at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, was deployed with the 421st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

According to the Air Combat Command Accident Investigation Board report released Oct. 8, the aircraft lost its primary brake system when the pump that provides primary hydraulic pressure to the aircraft's brakes and nose wheel steering failed.

The pilot, who had just returned from a six-hour mission, continued taxiing after landing, depleting the hydraulic accumulators designed to provide about 75 seconds of backup braking. The result was a complete loss of braking and steering capability that led to the collision.

The damage to both aircraft and several pieces of ground equipment is estimated at $3.2 million. One maintenance person was injured in the mishap.