Extensive Engine Damage in F-22 Mishap: Factors such as an adhesive with poor cohesive strength and a lack of sanctioned tools and technical guidance for maintainers led to a six-inch by eight-inch piece of low-observable material separating from an F-22A test aircraft during takeoff last November and being ingested into the aircraft’s right engine, according to the findings of the Air Combat Command accident investigation board released March 27. The mishap took place Nov. 1, 2007, at Nellis AFB, Nev., with a Raptor assigned to the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron. It caused extensive damage to the engine—estimated at approximately $1.2 million—but no injuries.
As the Air Force readied for its June 21-22 strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, the service was also putting its Agile Combat Employment strategy into action, dispersing combat aircraft and Airmen from Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar in preparation for a possible Iranian retaliatory attack. Some defense experts say…
