Attrition Report
DETAILS OF a serious incident involving a US Air Force F-16C at Misawa Air Base, Japan, in February last year were made available on the publication of an Aircraft Accident Investigation report on November 19. The Fighting Falcon involved was F-16CM 92-3883 ‘WW’ from the 35th Fighter Wing’s 13th Fighter Squadron ‘Panthers’, based at Misawa. On February 20, 2018, at 0838hrs local time, the mishap aircraft (MA) experienced an engine fire on take-off during departure from Misawa on a routine training sortie. This necessitated an immediate landing back at the base. The MA sustained engine damage and loss of external fuel tanks with an estimated governmental loss to the value of $987,545.57.
The mishap flight (MF) consisted of two F-16CMs. The MF’s pre-flight, start and taxi were uneventful until the departure phase of flight. The mishap pilot (MP) departed runway (RWY) 28, 15 seconds after the mishap lead pilot (MLP). Shortly after the afterburner take-off, Misawa air traffic controllers informed the MP and MLP that there was a large flame coming from the aft section of the MP’s aircraft. The MLP also contacted the MP regarding the fire.
During the MP’s ascent, he noticed an unexpected de…
