St. Clair County officials in Illinois believe that operation of a rifle and pistol shooting range near Scott Air Force Base poses a danger to the aircraft that operate out of the base and, consequently, to people on the ground who might be struck by a crashing airplane, according to a report in the Belleville (Ill.) News-Democrat. St. Clair County Associate Judge James Radcliffe, who toured the Caseville Rifle and Pistol Club Monday, said he would need a hearing before rendering a decision about a temporary restraining order. The club apparently has operated since 1968 without incident.
The crash of a T-38 trainer jet this May—which caused a weekslong pause in flights across the fleet—was caused by an improperly installed pin for one of the jet’s horizontal stabilizers, according to a new accident report released Oct. 30. When the pin disengaged midflight, it created the slightest amount…