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news/2009/10/ap_jetcrashcause101609
news/2009/10/ap_jetcrashcause101609
Maintenance cited in fatal training crash
The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Oct 16, 2009 19:59:15 EDT
Posted : Friday Oct 16, 2009 19:59:15 EDT
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. — An investigation has concluded a maintenance error led to the fatal crash of a T-38 jet in the Mojave Desert during an Air Force Test Pilot School training mission.
The T-38 assigned to the 412th Test Wing went down 12 miles north of Edwards Air Force Base on May 21, killing the pilot. The navigator ejected but suffered serious injuries.
A summary of the investigation released this week says there was convincing evidence that the rudder operating mechanism failed because a bolt was improperly secured and worked its way free.
The rudder deflected 30 degrees and the uncontrollable jet subjected the crew to severe forces. The summary says the pilot became incapacitated and the navigator experienced a near total loss of consciousness.
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