AF releases Kadena F-15 Accident Report 

HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii – The U.S. Air Force released findings today of the accident investigation board investigating the cause of an F-15C aircraft accident that occurred at approximately 10 a.m. Japan Standard Time, January 17, 2006, in a military warning area off the coast of Okinawa, Japan. The F-15 assigned to the 44th Fighter Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, crashed into the ocean 51 nautical miles east of the base while participating in a training mission. The pilot safely ejected with only minor injuries. 

After a thorough and comprehensive investigation, the Accident Investigation Board concluded that right engine failure damaged nearby critical aircraft components required for maintaining control of the aircraft. While insufficient evidence exists to determine the root cause of the engine failure, the board concluded that the pilot’s actions did not contribute to the failure, and that maintenance on the aircraft was performed by well-trained, experienced and qualified personnel. Additionally, a thorough review of maintenance procedures revealed no adverse trends which could have contributed to the accident. 

The engine failure occurred over open sea following scheduled air combat maneuvers training involving three other Kadena F-15s. Such training places unique, high-stress demands upon military aircraft, and is only conducted in designated warning areas. Warning Area 173C, the site of the crash, is restricted by joint Japan-U.S. agreement to all types of non-participating vessels and ships during military training.

An Accident Investigation Board convened Feb. 17, 2006, to review the crash and determine its cause. The Board President was a senior-rated pilot, and other team members included experts in maintenance, engines, military law and flight safety.

For more information please contact Headquarters PACAF Public Affairs at (808) 448-3229 or e-mail pacaf.paops@hickam.af.mil. Japan-based media should contact 18th Wing Public Affairs at (098) 961-1093 or e-mail 18wg.media@kadena.af.mil.

Copy courtesy of Kadena Air Base Public Affairs.