Maintainers tending an F-16 of the California Air National Guard’s 144th Fighter Wing failed to properly torque bolts connecting a fuel line to the main fuel control unit, resulting in the crash of the fighter on Jan. 19, according to an Air Combat Command release last week. The accident investigation board found that the single-engine aircraft suffered a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff and failed to restart during several attempts by the pilot, who then ejected, suffering only minor injuries.
The Air Force could conduct an operation like Israel's successful air campaign against Iran's nuclear sites, military leadership and air defenses, but readiness issues would make it risky, airpower experts said. Limited spare parts and training, low mission capable rates and few flying hours would put a drag on USAF's…