On November 17, 2023, a significant ground incident involving an F-16 fighter jet from the U.S. Air Force caused $30 million in damages at an undisclosed base in Southwest Asia. The report, published by the U.S. Air Forces Europe – Air Forces Africa Accident Investigation Board, details the factors leading to this incident, which involved a mishap with an MJ-1 weapons loader, also known as a “jammer,” and ultimately resulted in a fire.
The mishap involved an F-16 from the 555th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base in Italy, which was parked on a ramp roughly 60 feet from an F-15E Strike Eagle of the 48th Fighter Wing, RAF Lakenheath, UK. At the time, the F-15E was undergoing munitions unloading by a weapons team utilizing the MJ-1. The team consisted of a chief and two loaders: one operating the jammer (MXLC2) and the other, a driver (MXLC3). Around 2200 local time, the operator accidentally reversed the jammer into the F-15E after experiencing control issues, which led to a dangerous chain of events.
While starting to load munitions onto the F-15E, MXLC2 mistakenly hit the jammer’s accelerator instead of the brake due to a pedal layout quirk found between two Air Force tractor models. This pedal misplacement, combined with the operator’s limited recent experience with the MJ-1, triggered the incident. Witnesses reported that the jammer “jerked back” upon the operator’s error, leading to loss of control. The jammer initially collided with the F-15E’s bomb rack unit, injuring MXLC2. The impact redirected the jammer toward the parked F-16. Once the operator was thrown off the jammer, it continued unmanned, colliding with the F-16’s right 370-gallon external fuel tank. The collision created a fuel leak, ignited by sparks from the jammer, which led to a fire that severely damaged the aircraft.
Investigation Findings and Contributing Factors
The Accident Investigation Board attributed the mishap to multiple issues:
- Situational Awareness: The technician’s momentary confusion over the pedal layout resulted in a loss of situational awareness, which was aggravated by unfamiliarity with the jammer after three months of non-use.
- MJ-1 Design Quirk: The accident highlighted an inconsistency in the brake and gas pedal layouts between different models of the jammer, potentially causing drivers to instinctively misapply force.
- Poor Maintenance: Mechanical issues with the MJ-1, such as a sticking accelerator, contributed to the jammer’s inability to stop, exacerbating the incident.
- Loose Adherence to Standards: The board noted a “loose culture” regarding Air Force standards in the weapons loading team’s procedures.
The total estimated costs from the incident include $30,241,892 in equipment damages and approximately $4,954 in environmental cleanup fees. Damage to the F-16 was concentrated on the right front section, with significant harm to panels, bulkhead, and internal systems. The F-15E involved sustained only minor cosmetic damage to its Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP).
This incident highlights the critical need for consistent training, equipment maintenance, and adherence to established safety protocols within ground support teams. The Air Force’s review aims to refine procedural oversight, reinforce proficiency in equipment operation, and address the mechanical inconsistencies in military support vehicles, specifically focusing on the MJ-1’s layout and operational standards.