I came to work today determined to keep my head down and be somewhat productive. That went out the window with the first pass through the Intrawebs. The Preliminary Investigation is out on the crash.These things are hard to digest when you know the driver.
NTSB Identification: DCA12PA049
Nonscheduled 14 CFR Public Use
Accident occurred Tuesday, March 06, 2012 in Fallon, NV
Aircraft: ISRAEL AIRCRAFT INDUSTRIES F21-C2, registration: N404AX
Injuries: 1 Fatal.
This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.
On March 6, 2012 at 0914 pacific standard time, an Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) Kfir F-21C2 single-seat turbojet fighter type aircraft, registration N404AX, operated by Airborne Tactical Advantage Company (ATAC) under contract to Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) as a civil pubic aircraft operation, crashed upon landing at Naval Air Station Fallon, Fallon, Nevada. The sole occupant pilot aboard was killed, and the airplane was substantially damaged by impact forces and fire.
Nonscheduled 14 CFR Public Use
Accident occurred Tuesday, March 06, 2012 in Fallon, NV
Aircraft: ISRAEL AIRCRAFT INDUSTRIES F21-C2, registration: N404AX
Injuries: 1 Fatal.
This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.
On March 6, 2012 at 0914 pacific standard time, an Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) Kfir F-21C2 single-seat turbojet fighter type aircraft, registration N404AX, operated by Airborne Tactical Advantage Company (ATAC) under contract to Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) as a civil pubic aircraft operation, crashed upon landing at Naval Air Station Fallon, Fallon, Nevada. The sole occupant pilot aboard was killed, and the airplane was substantially damaged by impact forces and fire.
The flight had departed Fallon at 0752 the same day, and attempted to
return following an adversary training mission. The pilot initiated two
Ground Control Approach (GCA) radar approaches to Fallon and then
attempted to divert to Reno but was unable to land there as the field
was reporting below minimum weather conditions.
The pilot then turned back toward Fallon and stated to air traffic
controllers that he was in a critical fuel state. The pilot descended
and maneuvered first toward runway 31, then toward runway 13. The
airplane struck the ground in an open field in the northwest corner of
the airport property and impacted a concrete building on the field.
Weather at the time of the accident was reported as snowing with
northerly winds of 23 knots gusting to 34 knots, and visibility between
one-half and one and one-half miles.
Two missed approaches, an unsuccessful divert to a closed field at Reno, and a return to Fallon, with low fuel, limited visibility and high winds. Aircraft punched in short of runway 13r and terminated in the Combat Loading Area in the upper right corner of the diagram
Pinch has more here.
