[simpits-tech] Follow-up Thunderbird Eject

[David C. Allen]

The end of the Story!

David
www.737FlightSim.com


>LAS VEGAS, NV – A four-month investigation into the cause of a spectacular 
>crash of an F-16C fighter jet at a Mountain Home air show is complete, and 
>Air Force officials said Wednesday that pilot error caused the crash.
>The crash occurred Sept. 14, 2003 while the Thunderbirds were performing 
>at the “Gunfighter Skies” air show in Mountain Home in front of an 
>estimated 85,000 spectators. The pilot, Capt. Chris Stricklin, managed to 
>eject to safety just moments before the aircraft crashed and burst into 
>flames.
>Accident investigators at Nellis Air Force Base, home of the Thunderbirds, 
>said Capt. Stricklin misjudged the altitude needed before beginning a 
>maneuver that had a limited margin of error.
>He made his calculation based on an incorrect mean-sea-level altitude of 
>the airfield. Mountain Home AFB sits at a higher elevation that an air 
>base in Nevada where the pilot routinely trained.
>Stricklin 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, he pulled back the control stick and 
>rolled slightly left to ensure the aircraft would impact away from the crowd.
>Stricklin ejected when the aircraft was only 140 feet above ground - just 
>eight-tenths of a second prior to impact. He sustained only minor injuries 
>from the ejection. Following the crash, Stricklin has resumed flying 
>duties with the Thunderbirds.
>There was no other damage to military or civilian property.
>The aircraft, valued at about $20.4 million, was destroyed.
>The Thunderbirds are a precision flying team that performs at air bases 
>around the country. After the Mountain Home crash, the Thunderbirds 
>cancelled several air shows and did not perform in front of an audience 
>for nearly a month. They celebrated their 50th anniversary last November.
>The team commander -- Lieutenant Colonel Richard McSpadden -- said the 
>team will begin its 42-show international tour season March 27th in Punta 
>Gorda, Florida. No performances are scheduled in Idaho in 2004.
>The Associated Press contributed to this report.