Forgotten Flashlight Causes $4 Million in Damage to F-35 Engine
A lost flashlight left inside an F-35 engine during maintenance work resulted in the engine being rendered unusable, causing millions of dollars in damage. It was discovered that the aircraft maintainers failed to perform a standard inventory check after routine engine maintenance.
Tool Control Failure
According to a Ground Accident Investigation Board report released by Air Force officials, a flashlight left inside the engine of an F-35 during routine maintenance caused significant damage, totaling $4 million. The incident took place at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. The investigation identified the mistake as a failure by a maintenance team to properly account for all their tools after performing maintenance on the aircraft.
Neglecting Established Procedures
The incident report highlighted two crucial errors made by the maintenance team. Firstly, they failed to follow an established Air Force directive to check the engine before running it. Secondly, they disregarded the protocol to avoid wearing loose items while working on the engine. These oversights prove the importance of following standard procedures in aircraft maintenance.
The Aftermath
Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident. However, the engine sustained irreparable damage, thus rendering it unusable. The flashlight caused $3,933,106 in damage, as confirmed by the report. The maintenance work was conducted by the 56th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron within the 56th Fighter Wing at Luke Air Force Base.
The grievous mistake is a reminder of the critical role played by maintenance crews in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of military aircraft. The incident occurred just a month before Luke Air Force Base celebrated a milestone: graduating its 2,000th F-35 pilot in April. The commitment to training and qualifying personnel on the F-35 makes Luke Air Force Base a vital hub for the Air Force.
As of now, it remains unclear whether any disciplinary actions have been taken against the maintainers involved in the unfortunate incident. The Air Education and Training Command, represented by Captain Scarlett Trujillo, spokesperson for the command, declined to comment on any administrative actions related to the accident.
The simple yet devastating mistake made by the 56th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Luke Air Force Base serves as a glaring reminder of the importance of meticulous attention to detail during aircraft maintenance. The costly damage caused by a lost flashlight emphasizes the need for strict adherence to established protocols and procedures. Maintainers play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and reliability of our military aircraft, and incidents like this highlight the consequences that can arise from not following established guidelines.
Original Article: Task & Purpose
