E-8C ACCIDENT REPORT RELEASED

  • Published
  • Air Combat Command Public Affairs
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (ACCNS) --  A rupture of the number two fuel tank within the left wing of an E-8C surveillance aircraft led to an in-flight emergency at a forward operating location March 13, Air Combat Command officials announced today.

The aircraft was assigned to the 116th Air Control Wing, based out of Robins AFB, Ga., and temporarily deployed in support of overseas contingency operations.

The accident investigation board determined a subcontractor left a mechanical test plug in the climb vent during maintenance which resulted in an increased pressure inside the fuel tank as the aircraft climbed in altitude.

This increased pressure led to a series of noises and vibrations during in-flight refueling, and the crew elected to abort the mission. The crew declared an in-flight emergency and returned to their base where they landed without incident. There were no injuries, and damage to the aircraft is estimated at approximately $25 million.

For more information, contact the ACC Public Affairs office at (757) 764-5007 or
e-mail accpa.operations@langley.af.mil.