In a stunning revelation of negligence, the US Air Force has suffered a significant loss as an F-35 jet engine, valued at $14 million, was destroyed following a maintenance error at Luke Air Force Base in Glendale, Arizona. The incident, which occurred in March 2023, has raised serious concerns about the protocols and practices in place to safeguard some of the nation’s most advanced and expensive military equipment.
The mishap unfolded when a maintenance engineer, part of a three-person team, inadvertently left a flashlight inside the engine compartment of the F-35 during a routine check of its propulsion system. This oversight led to the flashlight being ingested by the engine when it was powered on for testing, causing irreparable damage to the blades and rendering the entire engine unserviceable.
🇺🇸 At Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, a technician destroyed the engine of a $14 million fifth-generation F-35 multirole fighter jet when he forgot a flashlight inside before a test launch.😂 pic.twitter.com/EvkLnyGPBG
— Tibo91 (@Tibortibor15) January 20, 2024
This event is particularly troubling given that the F-35 program is one of the most costly defense initiatives, with each unit representing a significant investment by American taxpayers. The loss of such a high-value asset due to a preventable mistake underscores the need for stringent adherence to maintenance protocols and accountability within the armed services.
The Air Force Aircraft Accident Investigation Board concluded that the engineering team failed to follow established procedures, including a tool check to ensure all equipment was accounted for before initiating the engine test. Additionally, they neglected to use tethering methods that are standard practice for securing tools and other items during maintenance operations.
A lost flashlight caused $4 million in damage inside an F-35 engine – A maintenance oversight at Luke Air Force Base resulted in significant damage to an F-35 engine.
· A flashlight forgotten in the engine during routine maintenance led to $14 million in damage.
· The… pic.twitter.com/AodFg5yaA0— Last24Report (@Last24Report) January 20, 2024
While no injuries were reported as a result of the incident, the financial implications are substantial. The engine’s destruction not only represents a direct fiscal loss but also impacts the operational readiness of the squadron. It is imperative that such errors are addressed through improved training and enforcement of procedures to prevent recurrence.
Questions have been raised regarding the consequences faced by the individuals involved in the incident. While specific administrative actions remain undisclosed, it is crucial that appropriate measures are taken to reinforce the gravity of such lapses and deter future occurrences.
The F-35 jet was among the last aircraft requiring updates to its fuel system, following a directive issued after a previous issue with the fleet’s fuel system was identified in December 2022. The accident at Luke Air Force Base serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of even the most robust systems when human error is introduced.
As the Air Force moves forward from this setback, it must ensure that the lessons learned from this costly mistake lead to reinforced safety cultures and practices across all maintenance units. Only through unwavering commitment to excellence and accountability can the integrity of our nation’s defense assets be maintained.
