Thunderbird Crash-AFA Graduation
06-16-2016 | 06:48 PM
#11
Get me outta here...
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,541
Likes: 0
From: Boeing right seat
I am not following your logic.
If there was credence to a hypothetical fuel exhaustion scenario, I would say there would be significant supervisory factors placed on TB#1. Enough so that he would be relieved of command.
And of course, TB#6 would be relieved.
With both of them flying, I cannot see how a case of running out of fuel would be the likely scenario.
06-16-2016 | 07:12 PM
#12
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,244
Likes: 2
From: Baja Vermont
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
You are correct, T'birds have been relieved in past cases of supervisory error pretty quickly.
GF
06-17-2016 | 08:03 AM
#14
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 44,914
Likes: 696
From: Engines Turn or People Swim
Operating a tactical jet in unauthorized proximity to POTUS might actually be more dangerous to your health (and career) than ejection.
I could maybe see a situation where they were told "five mikes", and decided not to bug out since there was a perfectly good airport right there and they didn't want to jack up the whole program for the day...and then the clown show dragged on too long. Leadership, normally spring loaded to hold people accountable, might have given them a pass since the alternative would have been publicly embarrassing and highly visible firings, with the white house partially responsible for the circumstances. See what I mean?
06-17-2016 | 09:50 AM
#15
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,875
Likes: 0
From: Downward Dog
I can't help but daydream that this guy is an Academy grad. I can just picture him showing up at 18 years old only dreaming to someday be a thunderbird performing for his alma mater with the POTUS watching him.
Only to crash.
If not a statue at least a plaque.
Only to crash.
If not a statue at least a plaque.
06-17-2016 | 09:57 AM
#16
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 834
Likes: 0
Statue! Plaques usually end up in a cardboard box, or at home on an "I love me wall"...
08-15-2016 | 10:46 PM
#20
Line Holder
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
I haven't found an updated one either. Here is another resource. Doesn't have the TB report yet though.
http://www.airforcemag.com/AircraftA...s/default.aspx
http://www.airforcemag.com/AircraftA...s/default.aspx
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