Crash of a McDonnell Douglas C-17A Globemaster III in Elmendorf AFB: 4 killed
Date & Time: Jul 28, 2010 at 1822 LT
McDonnell Douglas C-17 Globemaster III
Takeoff (climb)
Elmendorf AFB - Elmendorf AFB
Elmendorf-Richardson AFB (JBER)
Crew was engaged in a training exercise in preparation to the Thunder Air Show taking part at Elmendorf AFB on 31JUL2010. Shortly after take off from runway 06, pilot made a first turn to the left and then a steep turn to the right in which he lost control of the aircraft which crashed in a huge explosion in a wooded area some 3 km NW of the airbase. All four occupants were killed and the aircraft was totally destroyed by impact forces and post impact fire.
Probable cause:
The board president found clear and convincing evidence that the cause of the mishap was pilot error. The pilot violated regulatory provisions and multiple flight manual procedures, placing the aircraft outside established flight parameters at an attitude and altitude where recovery was not possible. Furthermore, the copilot and safety observer did not realize the developing dangerous situation and failed to make appropriate inputs. In addition to multiple procedural errors, the board president found sufficient evidence that the crew on the flight deck ignored cautions and warnings and failed to respond to various challenge and reply items. The board also found channelized attention, overconfidence, expectancy, misplaced motivation, procedural guidance, and program oversight substantially contributed to the mishap.