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Photo - F-16 Information

Description: Here's the story:

Thunderbirds accident report released
Air Combat Command Public Affairs
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (ACCNS) -- Pilot error caused a
U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds F-16 aircraft to crash shortly after takeoff at
an airshow Sept. 14 at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho.
The pilot ejected just before the aircraft impacted the ground.

According to the accident investigation board report released
today, the pilot misinterpreted the altitude required to complete the
"Split S" maneuver. He made his calculation based on an incorrect
mean-sea-level altitude of the airfield. The pilot incorrectly climbed to
1,670 feet above ground level instead of 2,500 feet before initiating the pull
down to the Split S maneuver.

When he realized something was wrong, the pilot put maximum
back stick pressure and rolled slightly left to ensure the aircraft would
impact away from the crowd should he have to eject. He ejected when the
aircraft was 140 feet above ground - just eight-tenths of a second prior to
impact.

He sustained only minor injuries from the ejection. There was no
other damage to military or civilian property.

The aircraft, valued at about $20.4 million, was destroyed.
Also, the board determined other factors substantially
contributed to creating the opportunity for the error including the
requirement for demonstration pilots to convert mean sea level and above
ground level altitudes and performing a maneuver with a limited margin of
error.
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Date: 18.03.2007 15:06
Hits: 3184
Downloads: 94
Rating: 5.00 (1Vote(s))
File size: 185.4 KB
Added by: cyzy
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