A leak in an RC-135V Rivet Joint's high-pressure oxygen system led to a fire during the aircraft's initial takeoff on Apr. 30, 2...
A leak in an RC-135V Rivet Joint's high-pressure oxygen system led to a fire during the aircraft's initial takeoff on Apr. 30, 2015, according to an Air Combat Command Accident Investigation Board report released today.
The fire burned a hole through the upper fuselage of the aircraft, which is assigned to the 343rd Reconnaissance Squadron, 55th Wing, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. Four crewmembers received treatment for minor smoke inhalation.
According to the investigation report, failure by contract depot maintenance personnel to properly tighten a retaining nut connecting a metal oxygen tube to a junction fitting caused an oxygen leak. This leak created a highly-flammable, oxygen-rich environment that subsequently ignited.
The loss of government property is estimated at $62.4 million. The mishap caused neither civilian injuries nor damage to private property.
The RC-135V is the USAF's standard airborne Signal Intelligence (SIGINT) platform. Its sensor suite allows the mission crew to detect, identify and geolocate signals throughout the electromagnetic spectrum. The mission crew can then forward gathered information in a variety of formats to a wide range of consumers via Rivet Joint's extensive communications suite.
The platform is based on the more than 60 year old KC-135 aerial refueling tanker aircraft. UK is also acquiring three of the type.
