Well, it certainly could have an engine failure, but wouldn't that suggest a more lengthily investigation? Or any other mechanical failure? Granted, engine failure modes must be pretty predictable on the Viper, by now. Agreed, fuel exhaustion connotes significant supervisory failures, UNLESS, the AF was willing to write it off as an honest mistake while trying to hack a significant public event.

You are correct, T'birds have been relieved in past cases of supervisory error pretty quickly.

GF