Was Lack of Sleep a Major Factor?: According to the Wilmington (Del.) News-Journal, the investigation into the April 3 crash of a C-5 airlifter just short of the runway at Dover AFB, Del., may have bypassed a significant factor—lack of sleep among the crew members. A summary of the official accident investigation report released last week put the primary blame on crew failures to follow standard emergency procedures and, in particular, using a dead throttle. The News-Journal reports that investigators also noted that “limited sleep” might have contributed to the accident. Retired Air Force pilots talking with the newspaper believe the Air Force should look at the C-5 throttle arrangement, which, unlike other aircraft, has no lock down position for out of service throttles.
Celebrating 100 Years of Liquid-Fueled Rockets
March 11, 2026
March 16, 2026, marks 100 years since Dr. Robert H. Goddard launched the world’s first liquid-fueled rocket. Over the past century, new and ever more capable liquid-fueled rockets have literally propelled humanity into space. Why liquid-fueled rockets?