Report: Loose fuel line caused F-16 crashThe Associated Press
Posted : Friday Nov 16, 2007 7:02:25 EST
LONE PINE, Calif. — The Air Force says improperly installed bolts are the cause of an F-16 crash last January in remote eastern California.
Investigators say a loose high-pressure fuel line brought on “engine fuel starvation.”
The unidentified California Air National Guard pilot lost power during a training mission shortly after takeoff Jan. 19, and tried several times to restart the engine, investigators found. When that failed, he safely ejected over the Owens Valley, sustaining minor injuries.
The Air Combat Command Accident Investigation Board reported Thursday that bolts connecting a fuel line to the main fuel control unit “were not properly torqued after recent routine maintenance,” causing the fuel line to become loose during flight.
Article at:
http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2007/11/ap_f16crash_071116/