The accident investigation board convened by Air Mobility Command to review a Nov. 2, 2009, incident with a C-21 at Ali Base, Iraq, has found the flight crew responsible for letting the aircraft depart the end of the runway and sustain about $1.8 million in damage. According to an AMC release Feb. 3, there were four crew-related factors involved. First, the crew didn’t reduce speed and altitude sufficiently. Second, they failed to complete the checklist for a high speed partial flap landing. Third, they didn’t realize they hadn’t enough runway left. And, fourth, the crew failed to initiate a go-around to ensure there was sufficient runway for a safe landing.
The Air Force is spending heavily on F-22 improvements through the end of the decade, suggesting it may not retire the jet in 2030 as it previously planned. New sensors, fuel tanks, communications, and electronic warfare systems are among the upgrades that comprise the package.