Balance issue contributed to Libya F-15 crash - Air Force News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Air Force Times

Balance issue contributed to Libya F-15 crash

An F-15E crashed in Libya earlier this year in part because of a lack of balance on the aircraft, as well as the pilot conducting a maneuver at untested altitude, U.S. Air Forces in Europe announced Tuesday.

An accident investigation board found that the Strike Eagle departed from controlled flight March 21 because it “exceeded the critical angle of attack,” according to a USAFE news release. Although the pilot was performing an acceptable maneuver, he performed it at an altitude that had never been tested. Lateral asymmetry — essentially, an unbalanced aircraft — was also faulted.

The pilot, Maj. Kenneth Harney, and his weapons system officer, Capt. Tyler Stark, successfully ejected in rebel-held territory east of Benghazi. What remained of the aircraft was destroyed so foreign forces couldn’t salvage it later, according to the release.

A full copy of the report wasn’t available online by Wednesday afternoon, and a command spokesperson couldn’t be reached immediately for further comment.

Harney and Stark — both members of fighter squadrons at RAF Lakenheath, England — faced danger on the ground after they landed east of Benghazi. Marine pilots rescued the pilot during a daring Tactical Recovery of Aircraft Personnel, or TRAP, mission. The weapons system officer received shelter from rebels.

Rep. Duncan D. Hunter, R-Calif., wrote a recent letter to Navy Secretary Ray Mabus questioning why “no awards or recognition have been approved for Marine aviators who flew combat missions over Libya.” Hunter directed his question to Mabus because the Navy secretary is the primary authority for presenting honors such as the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal to Marines.

The Navy’s assistant secretary for manpower and reserve affairs has been considering a request submitted by U.S. Naval Forces Africa to designate the Libya area as authorized for combat awards. Navy spokesman Lt. Matt Allen said a decision is expected in the near future.