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U-28A accident investigation board results released

  • Published
  • Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs
Air Force Special Operations Command officials released the results of their investigation into the March 14, 2017 U-28A aircraft accident near Clovis Municipal Airport that killed three Airmen onboard. The pilot, copilot, and a combat systems officer died instantly upon impact. The aircraft valued at $18.3 million was destroyed.

The crash occurred during a training sortie about one quarter-mile east of Clovis Municipal Airport, New Mexico. The Airmen's remains were transported to Albuquerque for autopsy.

The AFSOC commander convened a Safety Investigation Board immediately after the mishap in order to quickly determine the cause of the crash and to recommend measures necessary to prevent a recurrence. SIB’s do not produce a publicly releasable report; they determine safety of flight issues for Air Force internal use.

The AFSOC commander convened an Accident Investigation Board to investigate the matter and designated Brig. Gen. Brad Sullivan, Director of Intelligence and Information, North American Aerospace Defense Command and the U.S. Northern Command, Peterson AFB, Colorado, as the board president.

By a preponderance of the evidence, the Accident Investigation Board concluded the aircrew lost control of the aircraft when it entered a stall at low altitude during a turn back Emergency Landing Pattern procedure. There were no indications of mechanical malfunction. The board also surmised the crew delayed actions necessary to prevent the aircraft from entering the stall envelope and failed to accurately assess increasing risk throughout execution of the practice turn back Emergency Landing Pattern, thereby substantially contributing to the mishap.

The primary purpose of this Accident Investigation Board was to provide a publicly releasable report of the facts and circumstances surrounding the accident.

The entire report is available by contacting the AFSOC Public Affairs Office at (850) 884-5515.