Crash prompts F-15, F-15E groundings

An F-15 Eagle flies a combat air patrol mission Oct. 7 over Washington D.C. in support of Operation Nobel Eagle. The Air Force announced Saturday that it was grounding most of its F-15 Eagles and F-15E Strike Eagles.


Crash prompts F-15, F-15E groundings
Bruce Rolfsen - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Nov 5, 2007 7:06:05 EST

In the wake of the crash of an F-15C Eagle Friday in Missouri, the Air Force has grounded most if its F-15 Eagles and F-15E Strike Eagles.

“The cause of that accident is still under investigation, however, preliminary findings indicate that a possible structural failure of the aircraft may have occurred,” the Air Force said in statement issued Saturday.

As a precautionary measure the Air Force suspended routine F-15 missions, the statement continued.

The suspension does not affect F-15Es deployed for missions over Iraq and Afghanistan, according to Central Air Forces.

The unidentified pilot involved in Friday’s crash safely ejected. According to an Associated Press report, he sustained a dislocated shoulder, a broken arm and minor cuts and bruises. He was released from the hospital Saturday, according to the report.

The jet was involved in a mock dog fight with another F-15 where speeds of 400 to 450 mph are typical, Col. Robert Leeker, commander of the 131st Fighter Wing in St. Louis, told reporters.


Rest of article at: http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2007/11/airforce_f15grounding_071104/

maybe by doing something it previously was unknown that it couldn't do.