History of Flight
On May 18, 2012, at 1212 Pacific standard time, a Hawker Hunter Mk 58, registration N329AX, operated by ATAC (Airborne Tactical Advantage Company) under contract to the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), crashed while on approach to Naval Air Station Point Mugu, California (NTD). The sole pilot aboard was killed, and the airplane was destroyed by impact forces. The flight was conducted as a non-military public aircraft under Title 49 of the United States Code Sections 40102 and 40125.
The airplane departed NTD at 1113 as the wingman in a flight of two Hunters (call sign COUGR21) to participate in a fleet training exercise. Shortly after takeoff, the accident pilot advised the flight lead via air-to-air that his lateral stick trim was nearly full right to maintain wings level. The pilots discussed a fuel transfer valve issue from a flight two days prior and concluded an under-fueled right outboard tank was likely. The flight lead recommended returning, but the accident pilot continued. The right outboard tank indicated empty earlier than expected.
The accident pilot turned off the right boost pump to balance fuel. Over the training area, the flight lead again suggested return, but the accident pilot delayed. The left feed tank low fuel light illuminated, and the pilot cycled the left transfer switch multiple times. Eventually, the accident pilot decided to return due to indications of incorrect fuel transfer.
During return, the flight lead flew echelon left. At approximately 5,000 feet and 270-280 knots abeam the runway, the accident airplane began a gentle left turn that became a barrel roll. The flight lead observed the aircraft out of control, saw fuel streaming from external tanks, and witnessed two objects (later identified as left external tanks) separate. The airplane impacted steeply about three seconds later, with a small fireball. The flight lead called for search and rescue.
Previous Flight and Maintenance
On May 16, 2012, the same aircraft, flown by a different pilot, experienced a fuel transfer incident. The accident pilot was the wingman. During initial climb, the incident pilot noted asymmetry, left transfer system indicated no fuel flow, and left boost pump was turned off. He returned to land after a controllability check. Post-flight troubleshooting revealed a blown 5-amp fuse on the left fuel transfer valve motor circuit. The motor was replaced on May 17 by an ATAC mechanic using on-the-job training; the installation was difficult, requiring a small adjustment of the valve shaft. A functional check appeared normal. On May 18, the mechanic refueled the aircraft, cycling the tank indicator selector and tapping tanks to estimate fill. An unknown quantity of fuel was added to the existing remainder from the previous early return.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The Hawker Hunter Mk 58 is a single-seat, single-engine turbojet fighter. The aircraft was equipped with an electronic warfare pod on the right wing. Fuel is transferred from rear and wing tanks via a rotary ball valve operated by a motor. The accident pilot, age 57, had 8,325 total flight hours, including 186 in the Hunter. He held an FAA Airline Transport Pilot certificate and was the ATAC Deputy Director of Operations for the West Coast.
No analysis or probable cause has been stated in the source.