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ACC releases Cannon F-16D accident investigation report
February 11, 1999 (by
Lieven Dewitte) -
Air Combat Command officials released the Aircraft Accident Investigation Report Feb. 10 on the Dec. 4, 1998, F-16D crash 65 miles west, southwest from Cannon AFB, N.M
The aircraft was from the 522d Fighter Squadron, Cannon AFB, N.M. It was on an incentive flight when pilot ,Lt. Col. Randell S. Meyer, the 27th Operations Support Squadron commander, and the incentive ride passenger, Senior Airman Hugo E. Serrano-Molina, of the 27th Supply Squadron, both ejected safely. Serrano-Molina sustained minor injuries, including a fractured ankle. The aircraft on private property and was destroyed.
The report concluded the accident was caused by engine failure due to a liberated blade in the first stage compressor section.
During the flight the pilot felt a severe "thump" and immediate deceleration. The engine experienced a compressor stall and the pilot initiated emergency procedures. After three unsuccessful attempts to restart the engine, the pilot commanded a dual sequenced ejection at an altitude of about 2,200 feet above ground level.
An ultrasound inspection test designed to detect developing cracks in the compressor blades was properly performed on the engine at the correct inspection interval in October 1998. However, the test failed to detect the crack at that time-in all likelihood because the crack was outside of the area being inspected.
Incentive flights are provided to reward exceptional performers for outstanding service and to motivate others to similar performance levels. Serrano-Molina was given the incentive ride for being selected as Airman of the Quarter for the 27th Logistics Group at Cannon.
The report concluded the accident was caused by engine failure due to a liberated blade in the first stage compressor section.
During the flight the pilot felt a severe "thump" and immediate deceleration. The engine experienced a compressor stall and the pilot initiated emergency procedures. After three unsuccessful attempts to restart the engine, the pilot commanded a dual sequenced ejection at an altitude of about 2,200 feet above ground level.
An ultrasound inspection test designed to detect developing cracks in the compressor blades was properly performed on the engine at the correct inspection interval in October 1998. However, the test failed to detect the crack at that time-in all likelihood because the crack was outside of the area being inspected.
Incentive flights are provided to reward exceptional performers for outstanding service and to motivate others to similar performance levels. Serrano-Molina was given the incentive ride for being selected as Airman of the Quarter for the 27th Logistics Group at Cannon.
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